From Republic to Riots: Why Protesters in Nepal Are Calling for a King

The calls for stability and economic expansion must be met, whether or not the monarchy returns, notes Brabim Karki.

Many protesters and police officers were injured in the clashes in Nepal, which led the government to impose a curfew in parts of the city.

(Photo: PTI)

Two people were killed and dozens injured in Nepal after protesters demanding the restoration of the abolished monarchy recently clashed with police.

Frustrated and nostalgic, royalist protesters threw their ire against houses, businesses, and even the media. The main targets of the vandalism were a TV news channel, a major newspaper, and the headquarters of political parties. Buildings were also set on fire. Many protesters and police officers were also injured in the clashes, which led the government to impose a curfew in parts of the city.

But the turbulence in Kathmandu is not just a singular outburst; it is a sign of broader dissatisfaction. Nepal has alternated between shaky coalitions and incompetent leaders since 2008, with each one appearing to be more corrupt than the last. Unemployment has skyrocketed, economic growth has stalled, and many people still cannot afford basic necessities.

The protests by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) are still ongoing.

(Photo: PTI)

Nepal has had 13 different governments in 16 years—there's a new prime minister almost every year. Political infighting, broken promises, and a lack of opportunities have caused many young Nepalis to flee the country. An estimated 1.6 million Nepalis left the country in 2023 in search of work opportunities, according to research by Nepal's Department of Immigration.

Why the Monarchy Still Holds Appeal

Since the republic has fallen short of its lofty goals, many Nepalis yearn for a different system. To prevent the nation from further deteriorating, Nepalis are hoping for a change in the political system.

After a 10-year Maoist insurgency and a subsequent peace process that resulted in the formation of a federal democratic republic in 2008, Nepal's monarchy—once a symbol of unity and tradition—was overthrown. A centuries-old institution that many Nepalis still identify with stability came to an end when King Gyanendra, the last king, was compelled to resign.

However, the republic has not fulfilled its promises after 17 years.

The monarchy is seen by many as a return to Nepal's alleged golden period, when the country was stable, firmly rooted in its culture, and less driven by partisan politics. The present protests, which are as much about regaining the throne as they are about tackling the country's larger problems, have been stoked by this mentality.

It is impossible to ignore the mounting call for reform in Nepal. 

(Photo: PTI)

Gyanendra himself, however, continues to exercise caution and makes only vague references to serving the country "If called upon." His hesitation is a reflection of the fragile situation: even while the monarchy is becoming more popular, there is little chance that it will be restored right away.

The republic of Nepal is firmly rooted in its constitution, and the main political parties are adamantly opposed to restoring the monarchy, even in light of their own shortcomings.

Some royalists have made unsubstantiated claims that India, or at least some factions within its ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is supporting their cause, which has raised questions about New Delhi's role.

S Jaishankar, India's minister of external affairs, was quick to refute these ideas, though. During the 10th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi last month, Jaishankar met with Nepal's Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and made it clear that India has no involvement in domestic matters in Nepal. Even while regional factors complicate the drama that is developing, the statement emphasises India's official position of non-interference.

The Way Forward: Reform or Ruin

The demonstrations are a wake-up call for the leaders of Nepal. It is impossible to ignore the mounting call for reform. The calls for stability, economic expansion, and an end to corruption must be met, whether or not the monarchy returns.

The political parties must face the consequences of their long-standing self-interest. They must change, putting the demands of the people, accountability, and transparency first, or else they run the risk of completely losing their credibility.

The main targets of the vandalism were a TV news channel, a major newspaper, and the headquarters of political parties.

(Photo: PTI)

At this juncture, Nepal is a divided republic longing for unification, where the past and present clash in a battle for the soul of the country. Although the monarchy may not be the solution, its resurgence speaks to a more fundamental reality: the existing quo is untenable.

The protests by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) are still ongoing. The royalist party organised a peaceful demonstration in Balkhu, Kathmandu, on 8 April, demanding for the restoration of a constitutional monarchy and the declaration of Nepal as a Hindu state.

The demonstration led by the RPP was organised under the slogan "Let’s change the system to change the situation," and the party has also announced a proposal to develop a new political system in the country. The RPP further stated that further programmes will be announced based on how the situation unfolds.

(Brabim Karki is an author and businessman based in Nepal. He tweets @brabim7. This is an opinion piece, and the views expressed are the author’s own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for them.)