Study Links Gen-Z Uprising to Corruption, Unemployment and Governance Failures

A government study has found that the Gen-Z uprising of September 8–9, 2025 stemmed from widespread social, economic and governance-related dissatisfaction, as the expectations of an educated and digitally connected generation were not addressed in time.

The study concludes that the movement was not merely a temporary emotional reaction of young people but a collective expression of structural discontent.

Conducted by Tribhuvan University’s Central Department of Economics for the Ministry of Finance, the study interprets the uprising as a sign of deeper structural change. It adds that the protests reflected demands for governance reform, transparency and a new political culture.

According to the study, mobilisation through hashtag campaigns, online networks and memes enabled large numbers of youths to gather quickly. These digital platforms helped bring together women, workers and minority communities, too, under a common voice, creating pressure for policy reforms and changes in governance.

Political Distrust and Social Dissatisfaction

The study identifies declining trust in political leadership as a key social factor behind the Gen-Z movement.

Lavish lifestyles of political leaders and their families, unequal access to state privileges among a small group of individuals, nepotism and favouritism in political appointments, and the lack of opportunities for honest political workers have deepened dissatisfaction among young people.

The study also highlights structural issues in the education system. It says the system has failed to create employment-oriented opportunities. Many graduates are unable to find jobs matching their qualifications. At the same time, marginalised communities remain excluded from mainstream development.

These factors have further fuelled public frustration.

Unemployment and Economic Inequality

From an economic perspective, the study highlights rising unemployment as a major driver of the movement.

Due to limited job opportunities in Nepal, many young people are compelled to seek employment abroad.

Low income, inadequate wages, economic instability, limited opportunities for entrepreneurship and unequal income distribution have further intensified frustration among the youth.

According to the study, about 98 percent of the youths who participated in the movement had completed secondary education or higher.

Participation was highest among those aged 16 to 25. Students, unemployed youths and self-employed individuals were among the largest groups involved in the protests.

Anger Over Weak Governance

The study also identifies inefficiency in government services as a major factor behind the protests.

Delays in public services, complicated administrative procedures, lack of transparency in public institutions, and widespread nepotism and favouritism in service delivery contributed to public frustration.

Weak service orientation in offices handling land revenue, taxes and other public services, delays in the justice system, and low efficiency in public institutions have further eroded young people’s trust in the state.

Corruption Seen as a Systemic Problem

The study finds that many young people view corruption not merely as an individual moral failure but as a systemic problem.

Political appointments in institutions such as the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and the Supreme Court have created a perception among youths that these institutions cannot function independently and effectively.

The study also notes a widespread belief that public institutions are not sufficiently accountable to citizens. At the same time, the limited representation of youths in policymaking has weakened the effectiveness of youth-focused policies.

Demand for Digital Freedom

The study states that Generation Z considers digital freedom a natural right.

Young people view freedom of expression, access to information and civic participation as essential pillars of democracy. They therefore argue that regulation of the digital space should be rights-friendly rather than control-oriented.

Impact on the Economy

Based on field surveys, the study says the movement negatively affected the investment climate and private-sector confidence.

It estimates that physical damage worth Rs 84.45 billion occurred during the protests. This caused temporary disruption to economic activities.

Recommendations of the Study

The study proposes several policy reforms to prevent similar unrest in the future.

It recommends that political appointments be made through open competition rather than family connections. The education system should be linked more closely with skills development and employment opportunities. Marginalised communities should also be integrated into mainstream development.

The study also calls for administrative reforms to make public services faster, more transparent and citizen-friendly.

It further recommends that digital regulation be rights-friendly, political interference in anti-corruption institutions be ended, and youths be institutionally included in the policymaking process.

The study concludes that without good governance, institutional reforms, quality job creation and restoration of youth trust, social stability and sustainable democratic development will remain difficult to achieve.