Why Nepal’s Gen-Z is protesting: The ‘nepo kids’ link behind it...

Nepal saw violent protests on Tuesday that killed at least 19 people after several major social media platforms were blocked last week.

A large number of those taking part were students, many dressed in their school or college uniforms. The organisers described the protests as “demonstrations by Gen Z”.

However, Nepal has now lifted the social media ban after massive protests.

But in the days leading up to Monday’s protests, hashtags like #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal, #NepoKids, and #NepoBaby trended on some social media platforms.

What is driving the ‘nepo kid’ trend?

Let’s take a look:

How outrage over ‘nepo kid’ fueled Gen Z protests

Crowds filled the streets near the Parliament building, where tens of thousands gathered in anger at the authorities, who claimed social media companies had failed to register and accept government oversight.

Protesters carried placards with slogans including “Shut down corruption and not social media”, “Unban social media”, and “Youths against corruption” as they marched through Kathmandu.

Videos with hashtags such as #NepoKid, #NepoBabies and #PoliticiansNepoBabyNepal flooded social media, raising questions over whether politicians’ children succeed because of privilege rather than hard work.

The frustration towards political nepo kids was clear as Gen Z demonstrators clashed with security forces. The phrase ‘nepo kid’ comes from the word nepotism.

“The leaders’ children return from abroad with Gucci bags, the people’s children in coffins,” read one placard carried by a protester, according to a report by India Today.

Widespread poverty and high youth unemployment, about 19.2% among those aged 15–29, have forced many young Nepalis to take risky jobs, including fighting as mercenaries in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

The ‘NepoKid’ and ‘NepoBaby’ campaign, influenced by similar debates worldwide, trended on TikTok and Reddit over the weekend and struck a chord with Nepal’s youth.

Against the backdrop of economic struggle and corruption, many Nepalis at home and overseas contrasted the extravagant lifestyles of politicians’ children with the daily hardships faced by ordinary people.

“Children of elite politicians know exactly where their parents’ money and luxury come from—taxpayers like you and me. While we struggle, they live in utter privilege. Start listing their social media accounts and archiving their content to hold them accountable and prevent them from erasing the evidence,” one user wrote on Reddit’s Nepal forum.

Those singled out included the families of Prime Minister Oli, former prime ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.

Protesters also accused the political nepo kids of enjoying benefits from corrupt wealth, linking it to the wider anti-corruption anger driving the movement.

Nepal lifts social media ban

Some of the biggest platforms, including Facebook, X and YouTube, were blocked last week, sparking a massive protest in Kathmandu on Monday.

The move drew heavy criticism, with opponents calling it a tool for censorship and a way to silence government critics online.

Police in the capital opened fire on demonstrators rallying against the government’s attempt to regulate social media.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned on Monday during an emergency Cabinet meeting called by Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli.

The unrest came as the government pushed a new bill meant to ensure social media platforms are “properly managed, responsible and accountable.”

The registration rule applied to nearly two dozen networks commonly used in Nepal.

The bill also required companies to set up a liaison office or appoint a local contact. Rights groups said it was a bid to curb free speech and restrict basic rights.

Following the protests, the government has lifted the ban.

“We have withdrawn the shutdown of social media. They are working now,” Cabinet spokesperson and Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung told Reuters.

With inputs from agencies