Gavin Butler
Live reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The unemployment rate for youth aged 15-24 in Nepal was 20.8% in 2024, according to the World Bank – with many people forced to migrate overseas for jobs. More than a third (33.1%) of Nepal’s GDP, meanwhile, came from personal remittances.

Addressing the current protests, Nepali Congress leader and former Foreign Minister NP Saud did not deny the problems of corruption and nepotism raised by the youth uprising.

“This has been an important issue in Nepali politics for a long time,” he said. “But it should be resolved in accordance with the law, the constitution, and by completing the legal process.”

Pradeep Gyawali, leader of the Communist Party of Nepal and former foreign minister, said alleged cases of nepotism should be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

“The law of the country does not say that even if they are qualified, they should be deprived of opportunities just because they are the children of leaders,” he said.

“If, as they say, it was done through improper protection or encouragement, it can be discussed ‘case-wise’. In this case, it can be said that a certain leader, family, or child benefited. But I don’t think that is the general situation.”