Korean media: Prime Minister 35, Minister of Internal Affairs 38... Nepal's "MZ Government" arrests former PM just one day after taking power
¬ Investigating last year's Gen Z protest events; opposition party protests, calling it "baseless political retaliation"
The new government led by Prime Minister Bhratendra Shah (35), who spearheaded the anti-government protests among Nepal's Gen Z (those born after 1997) last year, has already been embroiled in controversy over political retaliation shortly after assuming office. On the very next day after the new government took power—28th—the Nepali police conducted raids on the residences of former Prime Minister Sherma Oli (74) and former Minister of Internal Affairs Ramesh Lekhak (63), arresting both.
Oli is accused of failing to prevent police from opening fire during last year’s anti-government protests sparked by the government’s social media blackout, which resulted in 76 deaths and over 2,300 injuries. The demonstrations escalated dramatically, with major government buildings and the Prime Minister’s official residence set ablaze, plunging the country into a state of anarchy before the regime was toppled.
Following a transitional government, Shah’s newly formed party, the National Independent Party, won 182 out of 275 seats in the parliamentary elections held on the 5th, securing a decisive victory. A protest investigation committee established just before the transfer of power recommended prosecution of Oli and others on the 25th. Two days later, the government decided at its first cabinet meeting to immediately implement this recommendation and initiate enforcement investigations.
Oli entered politics at age 18, having served as Minister of Internal Affairs and Foreign Minister, and had previously held the position of Prime Minister four times, becoming one of the most powerful figures in Nepalese politics. However, due to the anti-government protests, he had effectively been sidelined and lost his seat in the subsequent parliamentary election to Shah in his own constituency.
In this parliamentary election, 37% of all elected members fall within the 2030 age bracket—a more than threefold increase compared to the previous parliament (11%). In terms of cabinet composition, Shah excluded all members from existing parties. Among the 15 ministers, 10 are under 40 years old, with an average age of 38.21. Sudeep Gurung (38), who led the protest site last year, was appointed Minister of Internal Affairs; while Vimn Vagel (51), formerly from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, became Finance Minister. The new government stated it will carefully review the feasibility of Nepal’s active participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, signaling a potential departure from the previous administration’s pro-China orientation.
Upon news of the arrest of key figures from the former regime, hundreds of Oli’s supporters flooded into the capital, Kathmandu, burning tires and demanding the release of those arrested, leading to clashes with police. The former ruling party, now in opposition, denounced the move as “unfounded political retaliation” and vowed to send protest letters from all 77 districts across the country.
Since abolishing the monarchy in 2008, Nepal has seen over ten changes in prime ministers, with ongoing political instability. Long-standing economic hardships and difficult living conditions have steadily fueled public discontent toward the current political establishment, and the anger of the populace finally erupted last year through widespread anti-government protests.
Source: Chosun Ilbo
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861148129211399/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author