Kathmandu — Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who assumed leadership of the interim government formed after the Gen-Z-led movement of Bhadra 23 and 24, says she has witnessed a remarkable transformation among young activists in recent weeks.
Speaking to journalists at Baluwatar on Friday, Karki shared her experiences of engaging in multiple rounds of talks with Gen-Z youth groups over the past one and a half months. According to her, the conversations have evolved from frustration and raw demands to informed political reasoning and a deeper understanding of democratic governance.
From Frustration to Understanding
“When I first started meeting them, they were emotional and impatient,” Karki recalled. “Their demands were limited to ending corruption and ensuring good governance. But their grasp of constitutional systems and rule of law was still emerging.”
She explained that repeated discussions, consultations with experts, and exposure to policy processes have helped these young campaigners gain confidence in structured political dialogue. “Now, I find them much more thoughtful and grounded. They talk about reforming governance within the constitutional framework rather than breaking it,” the Prime Minister added.
In the early days, several Gen-Z representatives had insisted on abolishing the 2015 constitution and introducing a new interim charter, or appointing an executive president immediately. But, Karki noted, those voices are now giving way to more measured proposals.
“During the latest trilateral meeting between political parties, government, and Gen-Z representatives, they themselves emphasized that the main priority should be the upcoming election of Falgun 21,” Karki said. “They now see institutional reform as the responsibility of the next parliament rather than street movements.”
Dialogue Over Division
Karki said one of the most significant achievements has been bringing previously skeptical youths to the same table with political leaders they once refused to engage with.
“When I took office, they didn’t even want to hear the names of party leaders. Some even pointed fingers at me demanding action against them. But gradually, they began to accept that change must happen through lawful, inclusive, and accountable processes,” she said.
She credited President Ram Chandra Paudel for helping bridge the initial gap. “The President played a crucial facilitating role — first meeting with political parties, then with Gen-Z groups — creating the atmosphere for formal dialogue,” she noted.
Emerging Confidence and Political Maturity
Reflecting on the evolution of these interactions, Karki said, “The difference between the young people I met a month ago and those I talk to now is like night and day. Their conversations have become more constructive and visionary.”
She even compared their enthusiasm to that of senior leaders in their youth. “Some remind me of how Ram Chandra Paudel or Sher Bahadur Deuba used to speak when they were young — energetic, idealistic, and full of conviction,” she said with a smile.
According to Karki, the maturity developing within the Gen-Z movement is helping to steer national politics toward a more cooperative and reform-driven direction. “Their awareness is shaping the national conversation,” she concluded. “It gives me hope that Nepal’s next generation is ready to lead with understanding, not just emotion.”
