Rapper PM sworn into office after landslide victory and deadly protests
Nepali rappers-turned-Prime Minister Balendra "Balen" Shah was officially inaugurated on March 27, leading a youth-driven coalition that secured an overwhelming election win. His swearing-in follows intense public demonstrations across the country where protesters demanded his resignation following allegations of corruption in previous government contracts and clashes with police during recent deadly protests.
Key Points
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1Nepal has sworn in rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah as its new Prime Minister following a landslide election victory.
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2Shah, who is also an engineer known for his work with the Everest Base Camp project and social media presence among Gen Z voters, released messages to citizens via rap songs before taking office.
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3The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday (March 27) after Shah's party secured a decisive win in recent elections held earlier that month.
Developments
Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah was sworn in as the new prime minister of Nepal, leading a youth-driven government following his party's landslide election victory after deadly anti-corruption protests that killed at least 77 people. He announced an all-young cabinet and released debut rap songs to pledge loyalty while securing key appointments for former activists Sudan Gurung (Interior) and Swarnim Wagle (Finance).
Nepal's rapper-turned-politician Balendra "Balen" Shah was sworn in as prime minister on Friday following the Mar 5 elections. His Rastriya Swatantra Party won a landslide victory with an commanding majority of 182 seats, and Shah released his first public statement since winning via rap songs to pledge loyalty to the constitution before formally taking office amidst celebrations from crowds who had previously participated in anti-corruption protests that resulted at least 77 deaths.
Balen Shah has taken his oath as Prime Minister of Nepal. He is recognized for being a rapper-politician who holds several firsts in Nepali history and faces new challenges now that he leads the country after winning an election following civil unrest.