Balen Shah Sworn in as Nepal’s Youngest Prime Minister

Key moments

Balen Shah was sworn in as Nepal’s prime minister on March 27, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s political landscape. At just 35 years old, Shah becomes the youngest prime minister in Nepal’s history, following a remarkable electoral victory by his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).

The RSP secured 125 out of 165 first-past-the-post seats in parliament, a decisive win that reflects a strong mandate from the electorate. Shah’s rise to power comes in the wake of a Gen Z-led uprising that successfully ousted the previous prime minister, KP Sharma Oli, amid widespread protests over issues such as a social media ban and rampant corruption.

Shah’s political journey is notable, as he previously served as the mayor of Kathmandu. The RSP, formed only four years prior to his election, has quickly established itself as a formidable force in Nepalese politics. The party’s rapid ascent is indicative of a shifting political landscape, particularly among younger voters who played a crucial role in the recent protests.

In the aftermath of the Gen Z movement, the Karki Commission has been tasked with investigating the violence and property damage that occurred during the protests. Shah’s government has pledged to prioritize anticorruption measures, including investigations into the wealth of senior officials, signaling a commitment to addressing the concerns that propelled his party to power.

Shah’s appointment has garnered international attention, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extending congratulations following the election. The political dynamics within the RSP will be closely watched, particularly Shah’s relationship with party chairman Rabi Lamichhane, as they navigate shared leadership responsibilities.

Political analysts suggest that Shah’s administration is expected to face significant governance challenges, particularly in meeting the high expectations of voters. With the RSP’s substantial majority, parliamentary opposition is anticipated to be weak, potentially leading to increased influence from street protests as a form of opposition.

As Shah embarks on his tenure, the first reactions from political commentators highlight the excitement surrounding his leadership. Bishnu Sapkota remarked, “There is so much excitement with the heavy mandate. This is a historical and unprecedented opportunity for him to execute his agenda because his party is likely to have close to a two-thirds majority.” Meanwhile, Shishir Khanal expressed surprise at the extent of the RSP’s victory, stating, “We were expecting just over a 50 percent majority, but a two-thirds mandate was beyond our expectations.” The coming days will be critical as Shah’s government begins to outline its agenda and respond to the challenges ahead.