Nepal: Ex-rapper Balendra Shah sworn in as prime minister
The 35-year-old reformist came to power following a wave of Gen Z-led protests that sent shockwaves through the country.
Summary
Balendra Shah's ascension to the role of Prime Minister marks a notable transformation in Nepal's political landscape, influenced heavily by recent protests from the younger generation.
His background as a rapper, coupled with his recent release of a rap song prior to his inauguration, underscores a unique intersection of culture and politics in this shift.
This change in leadership may have implications for the governance and policy direction in Nepal, particularly as it relates to engaging the youth demographic in political processes.
Updates
Update at 11:00 UTC on 2026-03-29
Le Monde reported The former mayor of Kathmandu embodies the hope for major change in a country plagued by three decades of political instability, betrayal and widespread corruption.
Sources: Le Monde