Nepal’s Former PM KP Sharma Oli Claims Current Government Illegitimate

In a recent address, former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli criticized the current government, labeling it the ‘Gen-Z government’ and accusing it of being formed illegally. Oli asserted that the present government’s formation did not adhere to the constitution and was not supported by a popular vote. Instead, he claimed it was established through destructive acts. These comments were made on Saturday, marking Oli’s return to the public arena following his resignation after widespread Gen Z protests on September 8. Oli’s resignation followed events of the preceding day, which he sought to de-escalate. His initial post-resignation period was spent in the protection of the Nepal Army before relocating to a temporary residence. His return to the political stage included an appearance at a public gathering organized by Rastriya Yuwa Sangh, the student wing of the CPN-UML, in Bhaktapur. This move is understood as an attempt to rebuild ties with the party’s younger constituents, who had voiced strong criticisms of his leadership. The protests, which primarily involved young people, focused on demands for greater political transparency, the elimination of corruption, and the repeal of a controversial ban on social media. The demonstrations led to the most violent period in Nepal since the 2006 pro-democracy movement.