Former Nepalese monarch Gyanendra Shah unleashed a scathing attack on the government’s foreign policy Saturday, labeling it ‘unbalanced’ and detrimental to national security. Timed just before the National Unity Day commemorating Prithvi Narayan Shah’s 304th birth anniversary, his video message underscores rising tensions in Kathmandu.
Gyanendra accused politicians of ignoring Nepal’s precarious geopolitical footing, fostering an environment where alliances fray and trust evaporates. He leaned heavily on his forebear’s strategic doctrines, positioning them as a blueprint for today’s crises without pinpointing policy flaws.
Self-defense via a metaphorical ‘shield of peace’ was his prescription, rejecting overt reliance on external protections. The speech pivoted to alarming trends: surging youth despair, relentless migration of skilled workers, and now the departure of capital and tycoons.
‘Immediate intervention is crucial, or Nepal stands on failure’s edge,’ he warned gravely. Alluding to the Gen-Z movement that felled Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s regime—resulting in 77 fatalities and billions in damages—he highlighted how sidelining youth breeds chaos.
The current Sushila Karki government inherits this volatility. Gyanendra recalled surrendering royal authority two decades ago in deference to political parties’ pledges of stability. Today, those vows seem distant as existential threats loom larger than ever.
His message serves as a rallying cry for renewed focus on unity, foresight, and national preservation.