The interim government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki has expanded its cabinet to seven members. The functioning, priorities and public expectations of this newly expanded cabinet are being closely watched both nationally and internationally. Amid political instability, internal disputes, weak governance and growing public dissatisfaction, the government formed following the Gen Z movement is naturally under intense scrutiny. The cabinet’s working style, priorities, and decisions will shape not only the country’s near-term future but also its long-term political culture. It is therefore essential to evaluate its actions generously, yet critically. This cabinet must establish clear priorities. It is not a regular government—it operates under a fixed timeline and must conduct elections by March 5, 2026. Beyond that, it carries a mandate from the people’s movement to expand governance while safeguarding the constitution. Nepal currently faces a dual challenge: a deepening economic downturn, rising unemployment and capital flight, alongside heightened public dissatisfaction over governance, transparency and service delivery. To address these issues, the government must focus on key areas such as holding free and fair elections, ending impunity, ensuring economic stability and job creation, controlling corruption, improving the efficiency of public services and strengthening the constitution and federal system.
Governance in Social transformations in Nepal
Free and fair elections will help institutionalize change and dispel public frustration, guiding the nation forward. Policies that allow repression, mismanagement and corruption burden both citizens and the state and impunity must be addressed swiftly. Long-term stability is impossible without addressing the exodus of young people, which was also a key factor behind the Gen Z movement. Corruption remains the public’s greatest grievance, and high-level officials involved in major and minor scams must be held accountable. Citizens will not perceive the government as effective unless schools, hospitals, administration and local bodies provide services efficiently. Strengthening governance across federal, provincial and local levels and reducing wasteful expenditures are also critical for the government to demonstrate competence. Previous governments were often self-interest driven, making promises but failing in implementation. Lack of transparency in decision-making widened the gap between policy enthusiasm and tangible outcomes, increasing public frustration—especially among the digitally connected and organized Gen Z. If the government ignores their concerns, protests, dissatisfaction, and political instability will likely intensify.
Today’s youth demand results rather than speeches. Transparent policies, decisive action against corruption, job creation, and equal opportunities are their priorities. Slow decision-making, opaque political dealings and unclear governance are unacceptable to them. The consequences of inaction are clear. Delays and inefficiency can erode public trust and threaten government stability. Reduced investor confidence could weaken industry, trade, and employment. Social discontent, including protests led by Gen Z, could escalate, resulting in long-term instability. However, timely reforms present opportunities. Bold steps against corruption, transparent policy-making, and youth-focused programs could restore citizen confidence. The new cabinet has no room for delay; decisive action is essential to ensure stability and effective governance. The message to the government is clear: results over rhetoric, transparency over show, and real reform over promises. If the cabinet acts decisively, citizens will support it; otherwise, managing a new wave of public dissatisfaction will be difficult.
