Nepal's Republic in Crisis: Pro-Monarchy Protests Shake Kathmandu

 Kathmandu, April 01, 2025 – "A republic, if you can keep it," Benjamin Franklin famously declared in 1787 after drafting the U.S. Constitution. Thousands of miles away and over two centuries later, those words echo with haunting relevance in Nepal. Established as a republic in 2008 after abolishing its 239-year-old monarchy, Nepal is now grappling with a violent resurgence of pro-monarchy sentiment, threatening the fragile democratic framework its people fought to secure.

Over the past week, Nepal has been rocked by protests demanding the reinstatement of the monarchy, culminating in deadly clashes that have left the nation on edge. More than 100 people were injured, and at least two lost their lives as monarchists clashed with security forces in Kathmandu. The unrest spilled into the streets, with scenes of arson and chaos disrupting the capital. Nepal’s parliament, typically livestreamed to ensure transparency, went dark yesterday due to "technical issues," only releasing a muted clip later that revealed heated exchanges among lawmakers.

Prime Minister Oli’s Response

Today, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli addressed the House of Representatives, pointing the finger at former King Gyanendra Shah, who reigned from 2001 until his ouster in 2008. Oli accused Shah of orchestrating the violence to "disrupt social harmony," slashing his security detail and hinting at further action. "The alleged organizers attempted to drive a vehicle over the police and breached restricted areas," Oli stated, citing "terrorist activities" like fires set at the international airport and an oil corporation depot. His rhetoric suggests a looming crackdown, with 110 arrests already made and calls from ruling party lawmakers to detain the ex-king growing louder.

Oli’s language is uncompromising—labeling the protests as terrorism—but it reveals a critical misstep: a failure to address the underlying public discontent. Last week, he stirred controversy by alleging Indian involvement in the protests, a claim devoid of evidence and widely seen as a tactic to deflect blame. "Can’t control your people? Just blame the foreign hand," one analyst quipped, noting this as a tired playbook that ignores Nepal’s deeper woes.

A Disillusioned Republic

The pro-monarchy protesters are not merely royal nostalgists; they are a symptom of a republic struggling to deliver on its promises. "We need the king back because the political parties and system have failed," one demonstrator declared. "The source is so polluted, the entire system is rotten. Without a king, our country will break into pieces within 15 years." Another protester added, "The existence of this country is fading. This republic will destroy us."

Nepal’s democratic journey has been anything but stable. Since 2008, the country has cycled through 14 governments in 17 years, with 10 prime ministers playing a game of political musical chairs. This instability has stifled progress. Economic growth, once hovering between 6-7% a decade ago, slumped to 3.9% in 2024 and is projected at 4.9% for 2025. Youth unemployment nears 20%, driving 2.1 million Nepalese—over 7% of the population—to seek work abroad. "All governments are equally responsible," a Kathmandu resident remarked. "This isn’t about one party; it’s about a system that’s failing us."

A Fragile Balance

The monarchists, led by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), hold just 14 of 275 seats in parliament—a fringe presence with limited legislative clout. Yet their street mobilization has struck a nerve, tapping into widespread frustration with corruption, joblessness, and governance. Oli’s hardline stance risks turning this spark into a wildfire. Arresting Gyanendra Shah or intensifying crackdowns could elevate the royalists from a vocal minority into a broader movement, galvanizing public anger further.

Analysts warn that Oli’s approach misreads the moment. "He’s calling them terrorists, but he’s not addressing why people are this desperate," said a political observer. "This is a chance to prove democracy works—by listening, not just suppressing." For now, the royalists lack the political power to upend the republic, but Oli’s missteps could inadvertently hand them the momentum they need.

A Republic at a Crossroads

Nepal’s republic, forged through years of struggle, now faces a test Franklin foresaw: can it be kept? The answer lies not in tear gas or arrests, but in whether its leaders can confront the disillusionment driving these protests. As Kathmandu braces for what comes next, the world watches a nation wrestling with its democratic soul—caught between a past it rejected and a future it can’t yet secure.