In terms of structure, objectives, and scope, the interim government represents not only Gen Z but all Nepalis. The interim government has been formed not through a revolution by any group, but by demonstrating political consensus and constitutional basis.
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The Gen-G-led movement that took place across the country on 23 and 24 Bhadra became a decisive factor in political transformation. The issues raised by the youth, from the streets to social media, shook the old power structure. The issues raised by the youth on corruption, unemployment, transparency, good governance, education, social media bans, and political accountability became so widespread that the government itself was dissolved.
The discussions that followed paved the way for former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to become the Prime Minister of the interim government. Accordingly, Karki was appointed Prime Minister by President Ram Chandra Poudel on 27 Bhadra.
The President had given some reasons while appointing Karki. In a statement issued by the Office of the President regarding the appointment of the Prime Minister, it is mentioned that the Prime Minister was appointed on the basis of the wishes and aspirations expressed by the young generation, taking into account the unusual and extraordinary situation that has arisen in the country, and also on the basis of consultations with political parties and stakeholders.
Similarly, it is said that the Prime Minister was appointed on the basis of the recommendation and consent of the Prime Minister in his capacity as the Head of State, as it is necessary to uphold and protect the Constitution and promote the national unity of Nepal. The Karki government was also given the responsibility of holding the next election to the House of Representatives within 6 months. On the same day, after Karki was appointed Prime Minister, the President dissolved the Parliament on his recommendation.
Issues raised by youth for some time such as corruption, lack of opportunities, administrative delays, distrust in the tax system, the need for digital governance, accountability of representatives, education and employment, youth representation, etc., had suddenly become the main political agenda.
Social media-centric political awareness had united the youth. The campaign that started on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter had transformed into a movement of thousands of youth on the streets within a few days. Ultimately, this movement became the main reason for the change of government. In this sense, it is clear that Gen-G was the driving force behind the formation of the interim government.
Youth-centric, technical, and expert individuals were selected during the expansion of the interim cabinet. Some of them are considered close to the Gen-G group and their digital thinking is reflected in government policies. However, the interim government has also appointed senior, non-partisan, and non-youth group individuals with experience in important ministries such as law, security, diplomacy, administration, infrastructure, etc. This shows that the interim government is not just a ‘youth cabinet’ consisting of only Gen-G. Rather, it is a mixed structure. In which there is an adjustment of technocrats, young representatives and experienced classes.
Nevertheless, is the government called a ‘Gen-G government’? Because, as a result of the Gen-G movement, the then cabinet and parliament were dissolved and the current interim government was formed on the choice of Gen-G. After that, the entire people seem to have accepted this government. Mainly for this reason, people can hear this government being called a ‘Gen-G government’. But there are other dimensions to it too.
Reasons why the movement was led by Gen-G: The power to take to the streets, question, and criticize loudly came mainly from the 18-30 age group. Therefore, the thought came to the minds of many citizens that ‘Gen-G formed the government’. The youth became the decisive force on the streets. The public perception became that the change of government was understood as an ‘achievement of Gen-G’.
Digital Priority: The government has prioritized programs like public service digital reform, transparent procurement system, online tax process, and cyber security. The interim government has put forward policies like e-governance, online tax system, public procurement digital transparency, digital citizen service reform, cyber security policy update, cheap and accessible internet service for students, and a systematic education system, etc. in its first 100 days' agenda. Therefore, it is believed that this government's working style is of the 'Gen-G style'.
If the interim government is simply known as the 'Gen-G government', then two negative perceptions may arise from this. First, the role of other generations may be overlooked and there may be a risk of the government being understood in a narrow way. Generations like Gen X (40-55), Millennials (25-40), and Baby Boomers (55+) have previously played an important role in building political stability in Nepal.
All these groups also participate in the interim government. In fact, the goals of the interim government are the continuation of constitutional transformation, preparation for new elections in a stable environment, keeping the administration running, and continuity in international relations. These tasks cannot be done by the youth alone. Because, this requires experience and systemic understanding. Therefore, the current government should not be addressed as the ‘Gen-G government’.
Even looking at the structure, objectives and scope of work, the interim government has representatives not only of Gen-G but of all Nepalis. The interim government has been formed not by a group revolution, but by showing political consensus and constitutional basis. Education reform, employment growth, health system, public service transparency, infrastructure and energy are all national issues, not the demands of any one generation. The main responsibility of the interim government is to open a stable path for the future by giving confidence to all classes.
The dissatisfaction and pressure of Gen-G created the environment for the formation of the interim government. In this sense, this government is a government born from the voice of Gen-G, but looking at the form of formation and the government’s policy, the interim government is representative of the entire country. The policy of the interim government is not targeted only at the youth.
Labor, education, health, infrastructure, energy, tax system are directly related to all citizens. The government’s objective is political stability, economic trust and preparation of electoral infrastructure. These are the main national priorities. In this sense, it is not factually correct to call the government a ‘Gen-G only government’. The interim government is a national structure that addresses all citizens, all classes, all political factions and all provinces.
In conclusion, the interim government is certainly born from the Gen-G awakening. But its scope, goals and responsibilities lie with all Nepali citizens. Its evaluation should be based on the good governance, transparency and results presented by the government.
