Nepal President Calls for Constitutional Solution Amid Gen-Z Protests, Army Talks Raise Concerns
President Poudel Appeals for Calm and Constitutional Path
Kathmandu, September 11 — Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel on Thursday appealed for calm and urged all stakeholders to seek a solution “within the constitutional framework” as the country faces its most turbulent political crisis in recent years following the Gen-Z movement.
“In the current difficult situation of the country, I am engaged in discussions and every possible effort is being made to find a solution within the constitutional framework so that we can provide a way forward for the nation, safeguard democracy, and maintain peace and order,” President Poudel said in an official statement.
His remarks come amid rising concerns that the solution to the crisis may deviate from the constitutional course, sparking fears of an erosion of democratic norms that Nepal has built since its transition from monarchy to republic in 2008.
Timeline of the Crisis
- August 2025: The Gen-Z protests gather momentum across Nepal, driven largely by youth frustrated with unemployment, corruption, and political stagnation.
- Early September 2025: Demonstrations escalate into violent confrontations with police, leading to widespread arson and attacks on government institutions.
- September 8, 2025: Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigns under pressure from the protests, leaving a leadership vacuum.
- September 9–10, 2025: The Nepal Army steps in to maintain law and order, imposing a curfew across Kathmandu Valley until Friday morning.
- September 11, 2025: President Poudel issues a statement, emphasizing constitutional solutions, while negotiations continue between Army officials and Gen-Z leaders.
An eyewitness from Kathmandu’s Thamel district told TheTrendingPeople.com, “The curfew has silenced the streets, but the uncertainty is louder than ever. We fear that the Army may go beyond its mandate if this drags on.”
Army’s Involvement Raises Fears
The Nepal Army, constitutionally under the President’s command but traditionally bound to civilian authority, has taken the lead in talks with Gen-Z leaders. The move has sparked apprehension that military influence may expand beyond law-and-order duties into shaping Nepal’s political roadmap.
Groups of citizens gathered outside Kathmandu’s Ratna Park on Thursday, carrying placards that read, “Save Democracy, No to Military Rule.”
Civil society group Brihat Nagarik Andolan voiced sharp criticism of the Army’s role, claiming that security forces are negotiating with infiltrators who hijacked the Gen-Z movement to destabilize democratic institutions.
Possible Interim Government: Karki vs. Ghising
The search for an interim leadership has become a focal point of debate.
- Sushila Karki, Nepal’s former Chief Justice, is seen as a frontrunner, with strong backing from Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah and several civil society groups.
- However, Gen-Z factions have raised constitutional objections, pointing out that former Chief Justices are barred from holding executive posts. Instead, some leaders have proposed Kulman Ghising, the widely respected former chief of Nepal Electricity Authority credited with ending chronic power cuts.
The uncertainty has prolonged negotiations and widened divisions, with both sides seeking a figure acceptable to youth leaders, political parties, and the public.
Political Parties Demand Constitutional Course
Nepal’s mainstream political parties, including CPN (UML), Nepali Congress, and the Maoist Centre, have issued statements reaffirming that the crisis must be resolved constitutionally.
The CPN (UML), chaired by ousted PM Oli, urged President Poudel to initiate “meaningful dialogue” in line with the Constitution.
Similarly, the Maoist Centre led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal warned against solutions outside democratic norms, stating, “Any political solution sought outside the Constitution and the Legislature-Parliament would ultimately benefit regression.”
Nepali Congress leaders Gagan Thapa and Bishow Prakash Sharma stressed that dialogue must avoid “lawlessness” and warned that unconstitutional shortcuts could invite further chaos.
Madhes-based parties echoed these views, calling for protection of Nepal’s hard-earned gains — federalism, republicanism, and inclusivity.
Why This Matters: Democracy at a Crossroads
The Gen-Z protests, while highlighting legitimate concerns over governance, have pushed Nepal into a delicate phase where the balance between people’s demands and constitutional order will determine the country’s democratic trajectory.
Political observers warn that if negotiations led by the Army overshadow constitutional procedures, Nepal risks slipping into a period of military dominance, undermining civilian authority and hard-won democratic achievements.
Eyewitnesses in Kathmandu describe an atmosphere of “fear and fatigue”, with citizens divided between supporting youthful calls for reform and defending constitutional safeguards.
A university student at Tribhuvan University said, “We don’t want chaos, but we also don’t trust old politicians. If the Army stays too long in politics, our fight for democracy may become meaningless.”
Regional and International Implications
Nepal’s crisis also has implications beyond its borders. India, which shares a long open border and deep cultural ties with Nepal, is closely watching developments. The Indian government has already issued advisories for citizens in Nepal and remains in touch with Kathmandu authorities.
Observers also note that instability in Nepal could open avenues for geopolitical contestation, with China and Western powers monitoring the evolving situation for strategic opportunities.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Nepal stands at a historic turning point. The Gen-Z protests have brought a surge of youthful energy and demands for accountability, but they have also triggered a fragile power vacuum.
President Ram Chandra Poudel’s appeal for a constitutional solution may prove decisive in ensuring that Nepal does not backslide into authoritarianism or military dominance. The coming days will test whether Nepal’s leaders, protesters, and institutions can find common ground to safeguard democracy while addressing the frustrations of a new generation.
