Kathmandu – Frustrated by rampant corruption and systemic disorder, Nepal’s younger generation gathered at Maitighar, Kathmandu. 

Commonly referred to as Gen Z, these youths—who have until now voiced dissent largely on social media—took their anger to the streets in mass demonstrations.

A loose network of young people under the age of 28 stressed that the movement is not affiliated with any political party or group but is emerging organically, with individuals joining independently.

Inspired by recent youth uprisings in the Philippines and Indonesia, Nepali youths say they agitiated  a political system that rewards only the well-connected while ordinary citizens bear the cost. 

The campaign, which began on TikTok, has now spread nationwide, with rallies planned across multiple districts.

On TikTok, young creators have drawn sharp contrasts between the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children and the daily hardships of ordinary families. 

Their videos raise pointed questions: How do the children of modestly paid leaders afford such extravagance? 

How have families with limited legal earnings amassed billion-rupee empires? 

Dozens of clips highlight politicians’ offspring flaunting wealth allegedly financed by taxpayers. 

Slogans such as 'Our tax, your luxury' and 'Enough is enough' have gone viral, often accompanied by the hashtag #Nepokids.

Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z is the first generation raised entirely in the digital era. 

Their fluency with technology and global culture is now intersecting with a growing sense of political consciousness and a willingness to challenge authority. 

What began as a virtual campaign is set to materialize in the streets.

The government’s recent restrictions on social media have further fueled discontent. 

Except for TikTok and Viber, most major platforms have been shutdown in Nepal. 

In response, young people have turned to VPNs to continue posting protest content.

Protesters say corruption has become endemic, with every ruling party enriching its inner circle while the general public struggles.

The movement has drawn support from Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, who publicly declared solidarity with the protests. 

 Artists including filmmaker Nischal Basnet and singer Shiva Pariyar have also voiced backing.

Some senior politicians have expressed sympathy, but leaders of the main opposition CPN-UML have criticized the demonstrations. 

UML leader Mahesh Basnet dismissed the protests outright, while Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli accused unnamed actors of trying to manipulate youths for political ends. 

He warned that the law cannot be violated and hinted at possible crackdowns, while also urging young people to remain 'nationally conscious' and law-abiding.

This is not the first time Nepal’s youth have risen spontaneously. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the 'Enough is Enough' campaign erupted against government mismanagement, only to be met with water cannons and baton charges under Oli’s administration.

Observers now fear that vested interests could attempt to politicize the current movement. Mayor Shah himself has cautioned against anyone trying to hijack the protests for personal or partisan gain.

Youth activists, however, insist they are not marching under any banner or flag. They describe their campaign as a rejection not of individual leaders but of a system plagued by decades of corruption and misrule. 

While led by Gen Z, they are calling on all concerned citizens to join in.