Revolução Gen Z no Nepal 2025: Corrupção, Estagnação Econômica e Ascensão de Sushila Karki

A Revolução Gen Z no Nepal em 2025 marcou um momento histórico de mobilização juvenil contra corrupção, desemprego e restrições às redes sociais. Liderados pela geração Z, milhares organizaram protestos e debates online, especialmente no Discord, exigindo mudanças políticas e econômicas. A crise levou à renúncia do premiê KP Sharma Oli e à nomeação de Sushila Karki como primeira-ministra interina, reconhecida por sua integridade e experiência na Suprema Corte, encarregada de conduzir uma transição democrática e enfrentar os desafios estruturais do país.

Nepal’s 2025 Gen Z Revolution: Corruption, Economic Stagnation, and the Rise of Sushila Karki

The 2025 Nepalese uprising—commonly called the Gen Z Revolution—began as a wave of youth-led protests against corruption, chronic unemployment, and sudden government restrictions on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Frustration had been building for years over elite dominance of politics and slow economic reforms, but the ban on social networks ignited nationwide demonstrations.

What started as peaceful marches and online campaigns quickly escalated. Tens of thousands of young Nepalis organized through encrypted chats and Discord servers, coordinating protests in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Biratnagar. Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition. Over several weeks, at least 50 people were killed and more than a thousand injured. Government buildings—including parts of Singha Durbar, the central secretariat—were stormed or set on fire, and transport strikes paralyzed the country.

Corruption scandals fueled the unrest. The Giri Bandhu Tea Estate case, in which land was illegally swapped under the guise of liquidation, exemplified elite manipulation of state resources. Despite a Supreme Court ruling in February 2024 annulling the land swap, the government attempted to bypass this decision through an ordinance in January 2025, leading to contempt proceedings. This disregard for the rule of law intensified public outrage.

Economically, Nepal’s growth remained sluggish. In fiscal year 2024/25, GDP growth was projected at only 4.0%, below the 7–8% needed for middle-income status. Structural challenges such as low productivity and declining exports hindered job creation, particularly for youth, with unemployment reaching 20%. This economic stagnation, combined with political instability, amplified the momentum of the protests.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s administration crumbled under the pressure. His resignation created a power vacuum amid a dissolved parliament and fractured political parties. To avoid military rule or deeper chaos, activists, army leaders, and President Ram Chandra Paudel negotiated a transitional solution.

Inside Discord servers, Gen Z organizers held informal polls to identify a unifying figure. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki—widely respected for her integrity and independence—emerged as the favored candidate. While the online polls carried no legal authority, their influence was undeniable. Paudel and senior army officers agreed to appoint Karki as interim prime minister, recognizing the symbolic power of the popular choice and her credibility to oversee a fair transition.

Karki’s first moves included dissolving the old parliament, announcing general elections for March 2026, and pledging procedural transparency, job creation, and adherence to democratic norms. International observers credited the uprising with reinvigorating Nepal’s democratic process and expanding civic participation, though concerns remain about future stability and the precedent of digital platforms influencing leadership decisions.

The revolution highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to combat corruption and stimulate economic growth, setting the stage for a new political and economic era in Nepal.

Economy

Nepal's economy is characterized by a blend of traditional agriculture, burgeoning tourism, and substantial remittance inflows. In fiscal year 2024/25, the country experienced a modest GDP growth of 4.0%, with projections indicating a slight increase to 4.5% in the following year.

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Nepal's economy, employing a significant portion of the population. However, the sector faces challenges such as low productivity and vulnerability to climate change. The industrial sector is relatively underdeveloped, while services, particularly tourism, have become increasingly vital.

Tourism is a major economic driver, with Mount Everest playing a pivotal role. Climbing permits for Everest cost around $15,000 per person, contributing significantly to the national revenue. In 2024, the government collected NPR 505 million (approximately $3.8 million) from 352 climbers.

Additionally, the government has announced plans to open 97 remote Himalayan peaks for free to alleviate overcrowding on Everest.

Remittances from Nepali workers abroad constitute a substantial portion of the economy, accounting for approximately 26.6% of GDP in 2023.