Kathmandu — Public confidence in former Kathmandu Metropolitan City mayor Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) remains relatively strong among the younger generation, one year after the Gen-Z movement, according to a recent survey.

The findings suggest that despite significant changes in Nepal’s political landscape following the movement, public interest in alternative political leadership has not significantly declined. A considerable section of young people continues to view Shah and the RSP as alternatives to the country’s traditional political parties.

The Gen-Z movement brought widespread dissatisfaction with conventional political practices, leadership styles and governance to the forefront. It also placed greater pressure on established political parties to reconsider their approaches, leadership structures and engagement with citizens.

The survey indicates that Shah continues to enjoy a notable level of public trust, while support for the RSP also remains significant. However, the sustainability of this support is likely to depend on whether Shah and the party can translate public expectations into tangible results in the coming days.

Political observers say the political awareness and demand for change generated by the Gen-Z movement remain strong in Nepali society. For Balen and the RSP, the key challenge now is to convert the confidence of the younger generation into concrete political and governance outcomes.