Investor morale down since Gen-Z movement: Governor Poudel

Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Dr Bishwanath Poudel said investors’ morale has weakened since the Gen-Z movement of September 8 and 9.

Speaking at an interaction organized by the Citizen Initiative on Wednesday, Governor Poudel noted that investment had not expanded over the past two years despite sufficient liquidity in the market, and the recent movement had further dampened confidence.

Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal said the protests turned violent due to outside infiltration, leading to attacks on private and government properties.

According to FNCCI President Dhakal, preliminary estimates put private sector losses from arson, vandalism, and looting during the Gen Z-led protests at around Rs 80 billion.

Meanwhile, public property suffered damage worth an estimated Rs 100 billion in arson and vandalism during the Gen Z-led protests on September 8 and 9, according to Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising.

CPN (UML) Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali during the interaction urged political parties to prioritize system-oriented reforms over individual-centered approaches.

Similarly, Nepali Congress leader Pradip Poudel said his party must take responsibility, as it was leading the government during the movement.

Attorney General Sabita Bhandari remarked that the political situation following the uprising presents both opportunities and challenges for the government. -- RSS