Terrible communication and support from @KLM on KL933 from AMS to EDI on 24 Oct which got cancelled after delaying for over 2 hours at 2330, this is after flying for 15 hrs from Ktm. No accomodation, no food, no hotel, no support for transit visa, no indication on rebooking!!

market*

The guest makes an important claim that Nepal is likely to remain in a state of transition

8) the cabinet ministers seem to think/work either as technocrats and firm believers of neoliberal economic policies, OR as authoritarian populists who believe in rule by executive; Citizens are seen as consumers/subjects & there is lack of political accountability

7) very unfortunate that this government has no major policy initiatives to create secure jobs, there is no indication that outmigration will slow due to Govt policies; the economic policies have prioritised private sector, maker and consumption led growth

6) lack of coherent vision and positive working relationship between different parts of the government as well as the Nepali state is likely to frustrate the Prime Minister and this government

5) there is likely to be major strain in the relationships between different parts of the state-- the PM's office, parliament, President, the ruling party, military, police, bureaucracy, judiciary, old political patronage networks and local governments

4) the government's seems to have fully embraced neoliberal economic policies, both the Foreign Minister & Finance Minister, seem committed to this idea. The govt seems to have prioritised desires of urban middle & upper middle classes, which seems to reflect it's political base

3) the Govt seems to rule less by a clear and coherent long-term vision but more by short-term gains and populist actions; despite having almost 2/3 majority, PM Shah seems to have less faith and trust in the parliament, there is a sense of centralising of power under PM office

2) people I spoke to seem concerned that there is a major strain between the governing political party and the Prime Minister leading to speculation on the longevity of the government, biggest challenge, this, is from within the ruling party

As I wrap up my quick visit to Nepal during Dashain, I was able to make the following observations: 1) the new govt led by Balen Shah remains popular; this govt's biggest strength and legitimacy from people's perspective seems to rest on the idea of integrity...

Also, some fine details on immense power the president's office seems to enjoy & exercise, and the role of informal networks in shaping political processes and outcomes! Need of scruinity and public debate on use & abuse of power

Excellent interview, with someone very much present in the close doors, giving major insights on what happened in the immediate aftermath of Gen Z Revolt of 2025, the role of Nepal Army, the President & how fluid the political situation was!