In an incisive commentary, France’s largest daily newspaper, Le Monde, has declared Nepal as the world champion of political instability. Published on Tuesday, the article highlights the tumultuous political landscape of the small Himalayan republic, noting that “Nepal has maintained the top position in the Olympic games of political instability.”
The article underscores the recent appointment of KP Sharma Oli as the Prime Minister, making him the fourteenth person to hold the office in the past 15 years. Oli’s return to power on Sunday marks his fourth term as Prime Minister since 2015, and he is the 30th Prime Minister since the restoration of parliamentary democracy in 1990. The paper wryly notes that this equates to nearly one new Prime Minister every year, calling it “an important achievement for a small Himalayan republic with a population of 30 million.”
“The more things change in Nepal’s recent history, the more they stay the same,” the article states, emphasizing the cyclical nature of the country’s political turmoil. It further elaborates on Oli’s political ideology, noting that the UML leader, who believes in European-style social democratic principles, has once again ascended to Nepal’s highest office.
The article also mentions the former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, a former Maoist guerrilla leader, who was replaced by Oli. Dahal had previously served as Prime Minister twice before, first in 2009 and then again in a later term.
Le Monde delves into the intricate and often bewildering alliances, anti-alliances, reversals, and betrayals that characterize Nepalese politics. It cites the example of Communists forming alliances with extreme monarchists, with whom they have had historically hostile relations, as a striking instance of the unpredictable nature of Nepal’s political landscape.
The commentary paints a vivid picture of a nation where political alliances are fragile and transient, and leaders frequently shift positions in a relentless quest for power. As Nepal navigates its complex political terrain, the article by Le Monde serves as a stark reminder of the enduring instability that continues to shape the country’s future.
