KATHMANDU: Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Dr. Bishwanath Poudel has said that investor confidence has weakened following the Gen-Z movement of September 8 and 9.
Speaking at a discussion program titled “Rashtrahit Sarbopari Conclave” organized by Nagarik Initiative on Wednesday, he remarked that investment had already been sluggish for the past few years, and the recent unrest further discouraged potential investors.
“Even before the movement, capital was available but investment expansion was not taking place. After the Gen-Z movement, investor confidence has dropped further,” he said.
During the same event, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal said that the Gen-Z protests turned violent due to external infiltration, resulting in attacks on both private and government structures.
CPN-UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali stressed the need for political parties to focus on systemic reform rather than individual-centered politics.
“The dissatisfaction reflected by the Gen-Z movement should be taken seriously by political parties. We need reforms in the system, not in personalities,” he said.
Nepali Congress leader Pradeep Poudel noted that the protests were also directed at the Congress party, as it was leading the government at the time.
“The Congress, being in government, must accept its share of responsibility. The movement’s anger was also directed toward us,” he said, urging party leadership to take lessons from the incident.
Rastriya Prajatantra Party General Secretary Kunti Kumari Shahi described the current political situation as “complex and distrustful,” while Rastriya Swatantra Party Central Member Ganesh Karki said the movement stemmed from long-standing frustrations among the youth.
Similarly, Janata Samajbadi Party Spokesperson Manish Kumar Suman remarked that many who did not participate in the movement were now trying to claim credit for it.
Attorney General Sabita Bhandari said the post-uprising political environment presents both challenges and opportunities for the government.
“The government must prioritize good governance. Accountability and punishment are one aspect, but we also need evidence before declaring anyone guilty,” she said.
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