KATMUNDU (Monitoring Desk) – Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday following violent demonstrations in which at least 19 people were killed, plunging the Himalayan nation into another phase of political uncertainty.
The protests erupted earlier this week when the government moved to block major social media platforms, sparking outrage among young people and civil society groups who accused leaders of silencing dissent while ignoring corruption scandals. Although the online ban was rolled back, anger spilled into the streets, and rights groups reported that security forces used live bullets to disperse crowds.
In a brief letter submitted to the president, the 73-year-old leader said he was stepping down “to allow space for a political way forward.” Oli had returned to power last year in his fourth term, heading a coalition between his Communist Party and the Nepali Congress, but his rule quickly drew criticism for failing to deliver stability or economic progress.
Nepal, home to around 30 million people, has struggled with weak growth, unemployment close to 10 percent, and limited opportunities for its young population, nearly 43 percent of whom are between the ages of 15 and 40. Disillusionment deepened in recent days as viral videos contrasted the hardships of ordinary families with the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, fueling resentment against the ruling class.
The country abolished its centuries-old monarchy in 2008 after a decade-long civil war and peace agreement with Maoist rebels, but since then successive governments have been marred by infighting, short-lived coalitions, and repeated changes in leadership. Oli’s departure adds to the perception of a revolving door in power, leaving the path ahead highly uncertain.
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