Nepal’s PM Balendra Shah Named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People

Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah Balen has been named to TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2026.

PM Shah is listed alongside US President Donald Trump, China’s President Xi Jingping, and other world leaders from various background.

In its profile, Time has mentioned Shah’s unconventional political journey from structural engineer and rapper to the country’s executive head. The magazine describes his rise “as much a populist youthquake as it is a wholesale repudiation of South Asia’s ossified dynastic politics”, noting that his ascent has sent “shudders through the region’s establishment.”

The magazine also highlights Shah’s tenure as mayor of Kathmandu, crediting to cut through bureaucratic red tape to improve waste management, education, and health care. Much hinges on whether this professed devotee of Tupac Shakur and 50 Cent can translate that success onto the national stage.

Quoting one of his pas social media posts, the magazine notes Shah once wrote, “All politicians, new and old, are thieves,” adding that Nepalis will hoping to see if he proves himself wrong.

Shas was previously recognized by Time in 2023 also, when he was included in its “150 Future Leaders” list.