Nepal's New Parliament Convenes

Nepal held its first parliamentary session on April 2, 2026, following deadly anti-corruption protests in September 2025 that led to the collapse of the previous government and the burning of the old parliament building. The new session took place in a new building, with many newly elected lawmakers taking their seats. Balen Shah, a rapper-turned-politician, became the new Prime Minister after leading his Nepal — Rastriya Swatantra Party to win 182 of 275 seats. Rabi Lamichhane, president of the Nepal — Rastriya Swatantra Party, addressed the lawmakers, emphasizing change and inviting opposition scrutiny. The new parliament is notably younger, with nearly 60 members under 40. The September 2025 protests, which killed 76 people, were sparked by a social media ban but reflected deep public anger over corruption and economic hardship. An inquiry commission recommended investigating former officials, including four-time ex-Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli, ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and Nepal — Kathmandu's former chief district officer Chhabilal Rijal, for deaths caused by negligence. Separately, Nepal has charged 32 people in a multi-million-dollar insurance scam involving fake helicopter rescues, which has negatively impacted the country's vital tourism industry.