Nearly 17 years after the abolition of the monarchy, Nepal is witnessing a resurgence of support for the return of former king Gyanendra Shah. Approximately 10,000 supporters recently gathered to welcome Gyanendra, advocating for the restoration of the monarchy. The former king abdicated in 2008 following widespread protests and a parliamentary vote to establish a republic. Current public discontent centers around issues of corruption and the perceived failure of politicians to drive development, leading some citizens to favor the monarchy’s return as a symbol of stability and national identity. However, skepticism remains regarding the depth of support for the monarchy, as recent elections have shown limited backing for monarchist parties. This movement is viewed by some analysts as a broader desire for political change rather than a definitive shift towards reinstating the monarchy.
