Balen Shah Takes the Helm in Nepal With a Generational Mandate

Balendra Shah, known as Balen, was sworn in as Nepal’s prime minister after leading the Gen Z-backed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to a landslide victory that could give him a two‑thirds majority. Analysts say the historic mandate presents a chance to push rapid reforms and anti‑corruption efforts, including implementing the Karki Commission’s findings on the Gen Z protests, but delivering results will be challenging due to institutional limits and high public expectations. Shah must navigate a power balance with party chairman Rabi Lamichhane and manage foreign policy and economic pressures in the early days of his tenure.