In 2008, Nepal’s transition from monarchy to republic was hailed as a new era of justice, opportunity, and democratic empowerment. The abolishment of the centuries-old Shah monarchy marked the culmination of decades of struggle—from a bloody civil war to massive street protests—promising a future where people, not kings, would rule.
Seventeen years later, those promises lie in tatters.
Nepal’s republic today is adrift—plagued by corruption, haunted by political stagnation, burdened by economic decay, and scarred by increasing authoritarianism. Its people, especially the youth, are losing faith. Some are leaving the country, others are going silent—and many are beginning to ask whether the sacrifices made for democracy were in vain.
Nepal’s Political Journey: From Monarchy to Republic and Beyond
Timeline: Nepal’s Transition to a Republic
- 1996–2006: Maoist Insurgency – A ten-year civil war led by the Maoists called for a republican state and justice for the marginalized.
- 2001 Royal Massacre – The killing of King Birendra and much of the royal family brought King Gyanendra to power, whose autocratic rule fueled resistance.
- 2006 Jana Andolan II – A people’s movement restored parliament and ended direct royal rule.
- 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement – The civil war ended; Maoists joined mainstream politics.
- 2008 Republic Declaration – Nepal officially abolished the monarchy, becoming a Federal Democratic Republic.
Prime Ministers of Nepal Since 2008: Leadership Timeline of the Republic Era
Nepal became a federal democratic republic in May 2008, ending its centuries-old monarchy. Since then, the country has seen frequent leadership changes, with 12 formal governments led by 10 individuals, reflecting persistent political instability.
Below is a chronological list of Nepal’s prime ministers, their time in office, and the duration of their tenure (as of May 2025):
| Prime Minister | Term Start | Term End | Tenure (Months) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) – 1st Term | August 2008 | May 2009 | 9 |
| Madhav Kumar Nepal | May 2009 | February 2011 | 21 |
| Jhala Nath Khanal | February 2011 | August 2011 | 6 |
| Baburam Bhattarai | August 2011 | March 2013 | 19 |
| Khil Raj Regmi (Interim Government) | March 2013 | February 2014 | 11 |
| Sushil Koirala | February 2014 | October 2015 | 20 |
| KP Sharma Oli – 1st Term | October 2015 | August 2016 | 10 |
| Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) – 2nd Term | August 2016 | May 2017 | 9 |
| Sher Bahadur Deuba – 4th Term | June 2017 | February 2018 | 8 |
| KP Sharma Oli – 2nd Term | February 2018 | July 2021 | 41 |
| Sher Bahadur Deuba – 5th Term | July 2021 | December 2022 | 17 |
| Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) – 3rd Term (Ongoing) | December 2022 | Present (May 2025) | 17 |
Key Highlights:
- Prachanda has served three times, including the current term.
- Sher Bahadur Deuba has held the prime ministership five times, two of them post-republic.
- KP Sharma Oli remains the longest-serving prime minister in a single term since 2008, with 41 months in office from 2018 to 2021.
The Promise vs. The Present: What Has Gone Wrong?
The republic was meant to be a people’s system—accountable, inclusive, and progressive. But in practice, it has become a playground for political elites and a nightmare for the average citizen.
- 12 governments in 17 years have left the country in chronic instability.
- The federal system introduced in 2015, meant to decentralize power, has instead spawned bloated bureaucracies with little capacity or transparency.
- Corruption is no longer hidden; it’s normalized.
- And those who dare to challenge the status quo are silenced, jailed, or discredited.
Public Sentiment: From Disillusionment to Despair
Public Rights Under Pressure, Free Speech Shrinking
The soul of democracy lies in its ability to tolerate criticism and protect dissent. In Nepal, that space is vanishing.
Civic activists, independent journalists, and ordinary citizens who speak out against government dysfunction increasingly face retaliation. Surveillance, targeted harassment, and legal intimidation have become tools of control.
Two of the most visible examples are Rabi Lamichhane and Rabindra Mishra—both of whom rose on anti-corruption platforms. Instead of being encouraged, they were arrested or placed under prolonged investigation on vague charges. They were paraded in jail uniforms like criminals—without convictions, without clear evidence—echoing the repression of past regimes.
It’s not limited to political figures. A growing number of journalists have been summoned by police or sued under defamation laws. Protesters are beaten, while social media critics are charged under outdated cybercrime laws. Laws such as the Electronic Transactions Act and various sections of the Criminal Code are now routinely used to criminalize free expression.
The comparison to the Panchayat-era monarchy, where opposing the regime was met with swift punishment, is now no longer theoretical—it’s experiential. The difference is, this time it’s happening under a system that calls itself democratic.
An Economy in Decline: Insights from SAWTEE
Nepal’s economic woes are structural, not just cyclical. According to SAWTEE (South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment), the country suffers from an imbalance between labor distribution and economic output.
Nepal’s Sectoral Contribution to GDP and Employment
| Sector | Share of GDP (%) | Employment Share (%) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | 27.1 | 60.4 | Stagnant productivity, subsistence-based |
| Industry | 13.5 | 13.1 | Low growth, lack of investment and innovation |
| Services | 59.4 | 26.5 | Booming sector but largely informal and unstable |
Despite its dominance in employment, agriculture remains low in productivity. Industrial stagnation has prevented job creation, while the booming service sector lacks regulation or long-term security. The result is a weak, consumption-driven economy overly dependent on remittances.
A Nation of Youth… That’s Leaving
The most devastating symbol of national failure is the exodus of Nepal’s youth. With few jobs and fading hope, they are choosing foreign lands over their homeland.
Estimated Youth Migration from Nepal (2008–2023)
| Fiscal Year | Estimated Youth Migrants | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2008/09 | ~220,000 | Post-republic optimism fades |
| 2013/14 | ~350,000 | Labor migration peaks |
| 2015/16 | ~400,000 | Earthquake + economic pressure |
| 2019/20 | ~500,000 | Pre-COVID high |
| 2020/21 | ~300,000 | COVID restrictions dampen flow |
| 2022/23 | ~750,000 | Record-breaking migration post-pandemic |
According to ORF, over 1,500 Nepalis leave every day for foreign employment.
This isn’t just about jobs. It’s a vote of no-confidence in Nepal’s system. The country’s most productive generation is choosing hardship abroad over stagnation at home.
Divided Leadership, External Interference
While the people struggle, political leaders remain locked in self-serving alliances and feuds. This dysfunction has opened the doors for foreign interference—from both India and China.
- India continues to influence through cultural, religious, and trade-based diplomacy.
- China invests strategically—through infrastructure, academia, and direct political engagement.
Rather than defend sovereignty, Nepal’s leaders often appear eager to serve one foreign capital or another, further weakening national autonomy.
Conclusion: What Future Awaits Nepal’s Republic?
A republic is more than a label. It is a contract between state and citizen. Today, that contract feels broken.
Nepal’s people fought, marched, and sacrificed for a system that promised dignity and inclusion. But instead, they’ve received instability, repression, and corruption.
The crisis we face is not just political—it is existential. Will the republic renew itself through accountability, justice, and reform? Or will it collapse under the weight of its betrayals?
The answer will depend not just on leaders, but on a new wave of citizens willing to demand better—again.
This article includes economic data and insights from SAWTEE, a Kathmandu-based policy think tank focused on trade, development, and governance in South Asia.
Freelance Writer
