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The rise of populism and a crowded political culture threaten Nepal’s democracy. Although this perspective may be controversial, I believe in the need for a transparent and democratic political system that allows Nepalis to thrive in diverse ways. Nepali voters are understandably frustrated with current governance and political instability. However, it is alarming when educated and influential figures fuel political division, spread populist ideas, and engage in conspiracy theories—actions that undermine Nepali democracy. Nepal is still on its path to becoming a fully democratic state, and this journey may take generations. This does not mean Nepal’s democracy has failed; rather, it is evolving. Several factors, however, have weakened Nepal's democratic system, including the rise of populist trends, radical political groups, and the constant shifts in agendas since the 1990s reforms. Traditional political ideas have also struggled to uphold democratic values, causing a rift between voters and political parties.

In recent years, populism has gained momentum in Nepal’s political landscape. Notable figures like Rabindra Mishra, a former journalist, entered politics with strong anti-corruption rhetoric, earning public trust. Yet, his shift from democratic to authoritarian ideologies exposed him as a deceptive leader. TV journalist Rabi Lamichhane entered politics with vague and false promises, using his media influence to gain power without offering clear policies. He quickly became one of the most controversial figures, embroiled in scandals involving passport fraud, citizenship issues and financial misconduct. Lamichhane founded the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which performed well in the 2081 general election and attracted educated candidates. However, the RSP remains a populist party without a solid ideology, relying on blame tactics and controversial leadership. Lamichhane's involvement in coalition politics appears to be a strategy to shield himself from legal consequences, and his negative populist rhetoric continues to endanger Nepal’s democratic and legal system.

Recently, authorities arrested Lamichhane for his alleged involvement in a credit union fraud scheme, based on evidence collected by a parliamentary investigative committee and the police. Although the investigative process may lack full transparency, his arrest was properly carried out by government authorities and investigative bodies. Unfortunately, many of his political supporters, including some self-proclaimed intellectuals from his party, took to the streets and engaged in violent protests. This behavior presents a serious threat to Nepali democracy and the rule of law.

As a journalist, Lamichhane loudly criticized other political parties for violent or unethical actions. Now that he faces similar accusations, it raises questions about his integrity. It is crucial to remember that other high-profile political leaders are currently in jail, and their party members have not interfered with police investigations or the judicial process. Nepali leaders and the public must recognize that Lamichhane is not above the law and must cooperate with government and legal institutions like anyone else.

Nepal’s democracy has faced challenges from both radical left- and right-wing ideologies. Some leaders cling to outdated beliefs in socialism or communism, despite these systems failing in countries like China, Russia, Israel, India and the UK. Others advocate for a return to monarchy, an idea that has been tried and failed. These are merely opportunistic attempts to gain power. 

Meanwhile, democratic leaders have struggled to meet the Nepali people’s expectations. The bureaucracy remains inefficient, and successive governments have failed to address the country’s social, economic and foreign policy challenges. Since the 1990s, Nepal has dealt with crises like the Maoist insurgency and regional conflicts, yet political leaders have not been able to offer a unified, long-term vision for the country’s progress.

The rise of populism and divisive political culture poses a significant threat to Nepal’s fragile democracy. While frustration over current political instability is understandable, influential figures fueling populist sentiments and spreading conspiracies undermine the democratic process. Figures like Mishra and Lamichhane have introduced dangerous populist trends that distract from the real progress Nepal needs. Lamichhane's recent legal troubles and the violent protests from his supporters demonstrate how populist leaders can destabilize the rule of law. No one, including prominent leaders, should be above the law. Both the public and political figures must prioritize the integrity of democratic institutions over personal ambitions. For Nepal to move forward, leaders must provide transparent governance and long-term visions, while the public must stay vigilant against populist movements that offer no real solutions. True progress lies in a unified commitment to democratic values and accountability.

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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli presented the achievements of his government during the first 100 days in office, highlighting various steps taken to address recent challenges, including natural disasters, economic revitalization and public service improvements.

The four-time PM began his speech by mentioning significant tragedies that occurred during the period, including a missing bus incident and multiple aviation accidents, along with severe floods and landslides from Oct 10 to 13, resulting in more than 7,000 disaster-related incidents. The prime minister said these incidents prompted the government to prioritize rescue and relief operations.

The families of 391 deceased individuals received relief payments of Rs 200,000 each, while 2,555 affected families were given immediate assistance totaling Rs 45m. Additionally, Rs 430m was allocated to 71 local bodies in crisis-hit areas for essential service restoration.

The prime minister assured the public that efforts would be made to reconstruct houses damaged by last year's earthquake while rehabilitating those affected by this year’s floods. He acknowledged the impact of these disasters on government operations but asserted that progress has been steady.

In terms of youth employment, Oli emphasized the distribution of startup loans of up to Rs 2.5m to 165 youths, enabling them to initiate businesses. A total of 5,158 entrepreneurs submitted proposals for start-up loans, with selections planned for disbursement by December.

Oli also announced legal action against over 600 individuals involved in cooperative fraud, with 575 already imprisoned. He outlined plans to draft the Cooperative Authority Act to facilitate the return of depositors' savings, establish a Cooperative Credit Information Center, and create a Loan Recovery Tribunal.

Oli stressed the importance of systemic governance in combating corruption. He noted that corrupt elements were attempting to destabilize the country to protect their interests, but the government remains committed to national integrity without compromise.

Oli also reported signs of economic improvement, attributing increased confidence among entrepreneurs to the formation of key commissions, including the Economic Advisory Commission. To enhance petroleum supply and storage capacity, the prime minister said agreements were finalized to expand pipelines from Siliguri, India, to Charali in Jhapa and from Amlekhgunj to Lothar in Chitwan, alongside the construction of storage facilities.

To improve public service efficiency, Oli said a trial system for tracking files through QR codes was initiated to prevent bureaucratic delays. The Department of Industry implemented an automated system enabling foreign investments up to Rs 500m to receive immediate approval without investors' physical presence. Oli said an online service tracking system is operational in 58 survey offices, and provisions for senior citizens and disabled individuals have been made in 267 land revenue offices.

Prime Minister Oli also announced an increase in compensation for families of deceased foreign workers from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 1m, and stated that families of individuals, who die of associated conditions even after receiving medical treatment, would also receive this amount.

Oli also mentioned ‘concrete steps’ taken for the utilization of newly-built international airports—the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara Regional International Airport. The government arranged international flights by reducing the price of aviation fuel for Bhairahawa and Pokhara to attract flights. Starting Nov 10, the prime minister said flights from Dubai to Bhairahawa and from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa will commence, with Fly Dubai operating daily flights and Jazeera Airways approved for direct flights three days a week between Bhairahawa and Kuwait.

Prime Minister Oli mentioned what he called ‘significant progress’ in infrastructure projects with a breakthrough in the Dhhedre tunnel (Makwanpur), part of the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track project, and completion of the lining of the Nagdhunga main tunnel. In road construction and maintenance, over the past 100 days, 4,038 km of roads have been repaired, and 32.5 km have been blacktopped, contributing to road safety.

In the energy sector, generation of 30 MW of electricity has begun at the Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project while the Chilime Hub GIS Substation and Trishuli Hub Hybrid GIS Substation have also become operational, strengthening the national grid.

Prime Minister Oli took the occasion to highlight the consensus reached on over four dozen acts, regulations and procedures across various ministries as one of the administration’s achievements. The government and political parties have successfully pushed the remaining tasks of the peace process, initiated 17 years ago, toward a logical conclusion, he said while mentioning the Parliament’s endorsement and the presidential authentication of the Bill to amend the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act.

Oli said that while the two major ruling parties Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have a long history of political rivalry, they came together because of their shared commitments to political stability, development and good governance. While opposition has persisted since the government's inception, the prime minister said the government will remain resolute in its shared commitments for the greater good of the country.

Germany is gradually easing its laws on citizenship, immigration and visas to attract migrant workers to address increasing labor shortages. As a result, the European nation is becoming an appealing destination for youth seeking jobs and education for countries like Nepal. Many Nepali students and migrant workers are currently heading to countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East. 

Germany needs 400,000 foreign workers annually to bridge its labor gap, according to the country’s Federal Employment Office. Recent data shows that 10,670 Nepali workers and students have already chosen Germany. Nepali citizens can apply for a German work visa if they meet any of the following criteria: completion of a recognized training course or study program, a degree equivalent to a German qualification, a degree recognized in Germany, at least five years of professional or academic experience, vocational training, and German language proficiency.

In 2023, the German Parliament passed legislation aimed at attracting workers from non-European countries. Germany is now looking at South Asia and Southeast Asian countries for skilled laborers to keep its economy moving. The new law prioritizes work experience over academic qualifications, allows foreign workers to bring their families, and offers a pathway to citizenship. Germany has also relaxed its citizenship policy—anyone with five years of work experience in Germany and strong German language skills can apply for citizenship. This shift is driven by an aging population, with baby boomers retiring and birth rates steadily declining.

Germany’s population is at risk of long-term decline, with a birth rate of only 1.5 children per woman—below the two children needed to sustain the population. Without immigration, this trend is expected to continue. After a baby boom in the 1960s, birth rates began to decline from the 1980s onward. According to DW, there have been significant changes in birth patterns in a long-term comparison with 2013. In 2013, 49.4 percent of births were first children, 34.4 percent were second children, and 16.1 percent were third or subsequent children. However, between 2013 and 2023, the proportion of first-born children has decreased, while births to third or later children have increased.

According to migration expert Frank Burgdörfer, most women in the 1970s had children in their early 20s, but today, they are more likely to have children in their 30s. Without migration, Germany’s population will continue to shrink, while the number of people requiring care is steadily rising, he added.

Germany’s labor market is now facing multiple challenges. Unemployment is gradually declining, while job vacancies are increasing daily. According to Burgdörfer, sectors with high demand include finishing and dry construction, geriatric care, industrial glass production, metal production and construction, building construction, and vehicle and aircraft manufacturing.

In eastern Germany, 39.7 percent of businesses are struggling with skilled labor shortages, compared to a lower 31.8 percent in Hessen and Rhineland-Palatinate, according to Burgdörfer. Employers in many eastern regions face particular challenges in recruiting highly skilled young workers due to a noticeable decline in the working-age population and low net migration. Structurally weak rural areas and small towns are especially vulnerable, potentially falling behind economically as a result, he added.

Official statistics show that the working-age population is expected to shrink by 1.6m to 4.8m over the next 15 years, while the number of people reaching retirement age (67 or older) will increase significantly throughout the 2020s and 2030s.

Germany plans to attract 400,000 skilled workers annually. But there are various challengers. High taxes and the difficult German language pose major barriers, especially as Germany competes with the USA, Canada and China for talent. Following the Russia-Ukraine war and other global conflicts, Germany has seen an influx of refugees. However, integrating them into the workforce has proven challenging due to language barriers and lack of vocational skills. While humanitarian immigration has increased, it has not translated effectively into meeting Germany's skilled labor demands.

Various German institutions, including the Goethe Institute, are working to support successful integration into the German labor market. According to Schengen News, Germany granted 80,000 work visas in the first half of 2024, with 40,000 issued to skilled workers—3,000 more compared to the same period of 2023.

Ralph Heck, chairperson of the Bertelsmann Foundation, said that population aging is evident across almost all German states. The percentage of people aged 65 and above is projected to increase from 22 percent in 2020 to 28 percent in 2040, while the working-age population will decline from 54 percent to 48 percent.

A March 2024 report by the Federal Institute for Population Research revealed that live births in 2023 fell to their lowest level since 2009. The birth rate dropped from 1.57 per woman in 2021 to approximately 1.36 in autumn 2023. According to the report, West Germany's birth rate has historically remained low, fluctuating between 1.2 and 1.4 children per woman for four decades after 1975.

Germany’s most in-demand professions include green jobs, nursing professionals, physicians, engineers, IT specialists, scientists, craftspeople, and various healthcare roles such as dental assistants, medical assistants, veterinary assistants, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists and podiatrists. Nepal and Germany signed an agreement for legal labor migration in October last year. Labor ministry officials say Germany is looking to recruit some 3,000 workers from Nepal.

“I never imagined a snow leopard’s habitat would look like this,” said Sajal Tilija, a seventh grader at Janabal Secondary School in Marpha, Mustang, as he stood in a rugged grassland near the base of a massive, barren mountain. “From what I’d read, I thought it would be a desert—dry and all red. But instead, I found some greenery, with pine trees and prickly shrubs,” he added.

Sajal was participating in a camp in Mustang to learn about the elusive snow leopard. He was joined by two classmates, a teacher, and students from other schools. Other participants included field rangers, citizen scientists, artists, journalists, trainers, photographers, community members, and conservationists. The two-day Snow Leopard Scout Monitoring Camp took place in Thorangphedi and Chongur grasslands, near the holy Muktinath temple, on August 29-30, 2024.

“We mostly learned about the local landscape and how climate change is affecting the snow leopard’s habitat. We also learned about snowstorms, avalanches, and how to stay safe in those situations,” Sajal shared.

The participants were also taught how to use camera traps and the essential tools for snow leopard monitoring, like GPS devices, spotting scopes, and binoculars.

At one point during the camp, a group of locals excitedly shouted after spotting a blue sheep on a distant hilltop. Everyone quickly grabbed their binoculars, scopes, and cameras to take a closer look. “It wasn’t easy to spot the blue sheep sitting so far away,” Sajal recalled. “Focusing the lenses was tough. The sheep sat proudly, like a king, high on the ridge above the rocks.”

The camp has been held in Mustang since 2011, providing students with hands-on training in snow leopard monitoring and teaching them to observe their natural habitat, including potential prey species. This initiative continues with support from the Snow Leopard Conservancy, while Teka Samuha Nepal organized this year’s event.

After returning to school, Sajal eagerly shared his adventure with his friends. “I wrote everything in my diary! We spotted a pika, a red fox, and even a mother blue sheep with her baby. We sometimes see blue sheep near the village, but this time felt special. No one believed we found red fox scat!” he said excitedly. He also explained how they set up camera traps and used GPS during the camp.

At school, conservation teacher Amar Ghatane showed images of snow leopards on a projector and encouraged students to share what they had learned with their families and community. “I often tell my sisters and grandmother about snow leopards,” Sajal said proudly.

Sajal’s elder sister, Prasansa, noted how keen he is to share his knowledge. “He’s always learning and sharing something new,” she said. “When we’re out gathering firewood, he reminds me how important it is to protect snow leopards because their extinction would hurt the environment.”

Laxmi, Sajal’s mother, remembered a time when snow leopards preyed on her goats and cows while she lived in a remote area called ‘Chhair’. Now, living in Marpha, jackals prey on her chickens. “Sajal once told me that snow leopards are smaller than tigers,” she recalled. “They live in the mountains and depend on natural prey, mainly blue sheep, which sometimes come into our village.”

The story of snow leopards and human coexistence is playing out in Nepal’s Himalayas. Sajal is just one example of students involved in snow leopard conservation education, an initiative spreading through Mustang and Taplejung. The program raises awareness among students, encourages positive messages within communities that share habitats with snow leopards, and advocates for including conservation topics in local textbooks—working toward long-term sustainability and institutionalizing these efforts.