The year 2025 proved to be a turbulent and transformative period for Nepal, marked by intensified political unrest, large-scale youth-led protests.
The political turbulence began on March 28, when thousands of pro-monarchy supporters gathered at Tinkune in Kathmandu, demanding restoration of monarchy and declaration of Nepal as a Hindu state. The demonstration turned violent, resulting in at least two deaths, more than 100 injuries, and around 110 arrests. Tensions escalated further on September 4, after the government announced a ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and X, citing regulatory non-compliance. The decision triggered widespread public outrage, particularly among youth and students, who viewed the move as an attack on freedom of expression.
The anger culminated in the Gen Z-led protests from September 8 to 13, when youth and student groups launched nationwide demonstrations, mainly centred in Kathmandu. Protesters raised demands against corruption, government repression, and digital censorship. The protests rapidly escalated into violent clashes with security forces across the country. According to consolidated government and media reports, at least 77 people were killed, while more than 2,000 were injured during the unrest, making it one of the deadliest protest movements in Nepal’s recent history.
Amid the escalating crisis, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on September 9 under mounting public and political pressure. On the same day, protesters stormed and set fire to parts of the Federal Parliament building, while several government and political party offices were vandalised. Key state institutions, including Singha Durbar and the Supreme Court, were also targeted. In response, the government was forced to withdraw the controversial social media ban. A major political shift followed on September 12, when former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed Interim Prime Minister, becoming the first woman to lead Nepal’s executive government. The House of Representatives was dissolved, and the interim administration was tasked with restoring stability and steering the country toward early elections.
On October 7, the Election Commission announced that the next House of Representatives election would be held on March 5, 2026, outlining party registration and campaign schedules to ensure a smooth political transition.
Political consensus gradually emerged toward the end of the year. On December 23, major parties, including the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, reached an agreement with the interim government to create a conducive environment for the upcoming elections, signalling rare cross-party cooperation after months of unrest. The year concluded with notable political realignments. On December 29, a new political alliance was announced between Kathmandu Mayor Balendra “Balen” Shah and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) led by Ravi Lamichhane, with Shah emerging as a prime ministerial contender for the 2026 elections. The alliance reflected growing public demand for alternative leadership and underscored the rising influence of youth-driven and non-traditional political forces in Nepal’s changing political landscape. Overall, 2025 emerged as a turning point in Nepal’s contemporary history, with youth activism, governance reform, and climate resilience dominating public discourse. Analysts say the events of the year have reshaped political engagement and may have lasting implications for Nepal’s democratic and social trajectory.
