Gen Z Protests Sparked by State Corruption, Poor Governance: Inquiry Commission

A judicial commission investigating the Gen Z protest incidents of September 8–9 has concluded that the youth-led movement was largely driven by widespread frustration over poor governance and corruption in state institutions.

The commission, led by Gauri Bahadur Karki, submitted its report to Prime Minister Sushila Karki at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers of Nepal on Sunday.

According to the report, the protests reflected growing anger among young people over governance failures, political interference in regulatory bodies and delays in both the judiciary and executive branches.

The commission noted that the practice of making judicial and constitutional appointments through political power-sharing among parties has further eroded public trust and intensified frustration.

The report also states that such systemic weaknesses created the conditions that fueled the Gen Z-led protests, which emerged as a movement demanding accountability, transparency and institutional reform.

Commission Chairperson Karki said the commission had conducted its work honestly and without bias, including only what was observed during the investigation and added that the report contains recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Commission member Bigyan Raj Sharma said the panel’s role was limited to fact-finding and that relevant authorities would now need to conduct further investigations and take appropriate action.

Another member, Bishweshwar Bhandari, emphasized that implementing the report’s recommendations on good governance could significantly improve the country’s political and administrative system.

Receiving the report, Prime Minister Karki said the government would study the findings before presenting them to the Cabinet.

The Prime Minister also said the government would consider making the report public after review, adding that at least its key conclusions could be released if the full document cannot be immediately disclosed.