Key moments
In a historic turn of events, Balen Shah was sworn in as Nepal’s prime minister on March 27, 2026, at the age of 35, making him the youngest individual to hold this position in the country’s history. His ascension to power comes on the heels of a dramatic political upheaval, characterized by a Gen Z-led uprising that successfully ousted the previous prime minister, KP Sharma Oli.
Shah’s political journey has been meteoric; he previously served as the mayor of Kathmandu and is a prominent figure in the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which he helped propel to victory by securing 125 out of 165 first-past-the-post seats in parliament. This remarkable achievement underscores the party’s rapid rise, having been formed only four years prior to Shah’s election.
The recent political landscape in Nepal has been tumultuous, with widespread protests ignited by a controversial social media ban and rampant corruption concerns. These protests, referred to as the ‘September Uprising’ of 2025, galvanized a generation of young voters who rallied behind Shah and the RSP, demanding change and accountability from their leaders.
As Shah takes office, he faces a significant mandate, with political analysts noting that his party’s near two-thirds majority presents a unique opportunity to implement a robust agenda. “There is so much excitement with the heavy mandate. This is a historical and unprecedented opportunity for him to execute his agenda because his party is likely to have close to a two-thirds majority,” remarked Bishnu Sapkota, a political analyst.
Shah’s government is expected to prioritize anticorruption measures, including investigations into the wealth of senior officials, as the public remains vigilant and hopeful for genuine reform. The Karki Commission, established to investigate the violence and property damage during the Gen Z movement, will also play a crucial role in addressing the grievances that led to the uprising.
However, the dynamics within the RSP leadership, particularly between Shah and party chairman Rabi Lamichhane, will be closely scrutinized as they navigate their shared power. “Balen needed a party to contest the election, and Rabi needed Balen’s popularity,” noted Gehendra Lal Malla, highlighting the interdependence that defines their political relationship.
As Shah embarks on his tenure, the expectations from the electorate are high, and the challenges of governance loom large. With the RSP’s large majority, parliamentary opposition is expected to be weak, leading to speculation that public protests may continue to serve as a vital form of opposition. “With the RSP’s large majority, parliamentary opposition will be weak. So the streets will play a major role as opposition,” cautioned Yujan Rajbhandari.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Shah following the election, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic relations. As the new government settles in, the next 100 days will be critical in determining whether Shah can fulfill the promises that brought him to power and respond effectively to the aspirations of a generation eager for change.
