Royal revival for Nepal after 13 governments in 17 years? Why people want king back
In recent weeks, Nepal has witnessed a resurgence of pro-monarchy sentiment, with thousands of demonstrators calling for the return of former King Gyanendra Shah. This movement comes after a period marked by significant political instability, characterized by 13 different governments over the last 17 years since the monarchy was abolished in 2008. The protests have been fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with the current political system, rampant corruption, and economic struggles that many citizens believe have worsened since the monarchy’s dissolution.
Political Instability: Since the abolition of the monarchy, Nepal has experienced frequent changes in government, leading to a lack of political continuity and stability. The public’s frustration with this instability has grown as they have seen little improvement in governance or economic conditions.
Corruption and Economic Hardship: Many protesters attribute their grievances to rampant corruption within political parties and ineffective governance. This disillusionment has led some citizens to believe that a return to monarchy could restore order and stability.
Symbol of Unity: The monarchy is often viewed by supporters as a symbol of national unity and stability. Many demonstrators believe that King Gyanendra could provide a solution to the ongoing crises facing the nation.
Leadership of Pro-Monarchy Movements: Interestingly, the current push for monarchy is being led by figures such as Durga Prasai, a former Maoist guerrilla, which highlights a significant shift in political alliances and sentiments within Nepal.
The protests have turned violent at times, with clashes between demonstrators and police resulting in fatalities and injuries. On March 28, two people were killed during unrest in Kathmandu, prompting authorities to impose curfews and deploy military personnel to restore order. Demonstrators have chanted slogans demanding the king’s return and expressing their discontent with the current government, calling for a constitutional monarchy that recognizes Nepal as a parliamentary democracy with Hindu characteristics.
As these protests continue to gain momentum, they reflect a broader yearning among some segments of the population for a return to a more stable form of governance that they associate with the monarchy. However, it remains uncertain whether this sentiment will translate into significant political change or if it will be met with resistance from established political entities that oppose any revival of monarchical rule.
