Kathmandu: Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah has called on Gen Z protesters to “be patient” and “not panic” as Nepal navigates its political crisis. The mayor’s comments come as the youth-led movement has rallied support behind former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to lead the country’s interim government.
The political turmoil was triggered by a nationwide youth protest that began as a reaction to a government ban on social media. The protests have since escalated into a broader movement against political stagnation and corruption, ultimately leading to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
In a social media post, Shah acknowledged the “unprecedented situation” in the country and urged protestors to “hang in there” until new elections can be organized by an interim government. He offered his “full” support for the proposal to appoint Sushila Karki as the interim leader, praising the Gen Z protestors for their “maturity” and “wisdom” in the selection.
The mayor also indirectly addressed the speculation that he might take the Prime Minister’s position himself. He stated that his focus remains on gaining public support to win the upcoming elections, which would give him a more influential and lasting role in the country’s future.
