Nepal Faces Renewed Calls for monarchy Amidst Political Discontent and Unmet Expectations
Kathmandu, Nepal – A wave of discontent with Nepal’s current political landscape is fueling a resurgence of calls for the restoration of the monarchy, nearly 17 years after the institution was abolished. While the movement remains a minority position, it’s gaining traction as citizens express frustration over political instability, corruption, and a perceived lack of governance, even as the nation has made important strides in development.
Nepal transitioned to a republic in 2008 following decades of political turmoil, including a decade-long Maoist insurgency and years of instability within the royal family. The abolition of the monarchy was intended to usher in an era of democratic stability, but successive governments have struggled to deliver on promises of economic prosperity and good governance.
Recent protests, including those in March that resulted in fatalities, highlight the growing public dissatisfaction. The death of protestors, like the husband of Malla - a woman whose story has become emblematic of the movement’s pain – are fueling demands for justice and accountability from the government. Malla expressed her anguish, questioning the government’s valuation of her husband’s life after being offered 1 million nepali rupees (US$7,048) in compensation, stating, “Is my husband worth only 1 million?”
Despite the unrest, the current government points to notable achievements. By July of this year, all 77 district headquarters in Nepal were connected by road, and electricity access has risen to 99% of the population, a significant increase from 58% in 2016. Poverty rates have also fallen dramatically, with projections indicating a rate below 6% for this year, compared to over 50% in 1995. World Bank data suggests extreme poverty is nearly eradicated.
However, these gains haven’t quelled the discontent. According to Gyawali, a government representative, “Public expectations are high,” and “royalists have used this discontent to their own advantage,” framing the movement as an attempt by monarchists to regain power.
Political analyst Krishna Pokharel argues the monarchy’s abolition stemmed from its own authoritarian tendencies, democratic movements, and the maoist insurgency. He believes attempts to reinstate the king woudl hinder genuine democratic progress, asserting that citizens now desire effective leadership rather than a return to the past, especially given the possibility of an ordinary citizen becoming president.
Restoring the monarchy would require constitutional amendments, including a two-thirds majority in Parliament and a public referendum, a scenario deemed “highly unlikely” by former government spokesperson Prithvi Subba Gurung. “A monarchy will not come if a few people jump up and down,” he stated, dismissing the pro-monarchy movement as lacking legitimacy and momentum.
for many, like Malla, the focus remains on immediate concerns. She hopes the government will investigate her husband’s death, lamenting that instead of offering condolences, they “put a price tag” on his life. Her daughter’s grief, she says, is mirrored in her own tears.
