Now Reading: Nepal’s new coalition shifts parliament away from communist rule
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Nepal’s new coalition shifts parliament away from communist rule
Nepal’s new coalition shifts parliament away from communist rule
Nepal has formed a new coalition government, with Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli of the Communist Party of Nepal, Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) sworn in as prime minister on Monday. This is the…
Nepal has formed a new coalition government, with Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli of the Communist Party of Nepal, Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) sworn in as prime minister on Monday. This is the fourth time Oli has held the position. The change follows the CPN-UML leaving its alliance with the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist to form a coalition with the centrist, India-leaning Nepali Congress party.
The new government replaces the previous administration led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal of the Maoists. Observers say the shift moves the government from a pro-Beijing stance to one with mixed allegiances between Beijing and New Delhi. However, analysts believe Nepal's fundamental foreign policy of balancing between India and China will not change, citing the country's deep economic and security dependencies on both neighbours.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Nepal's geography ensures no government can afford to tilt decisively to one side. India controls three sides of the border and dominates trade and transit, while China has invested heavily in infrastructure through its Belt and Road Initiative. Oli, who previously sought closer ties with Beijing while in office, now governs with the Nepali Congress which has historically favoured New Delhi. The immediate test will be whether the new coalition renews or renegotiates the Millennium Challenge Corporation compact, a USD 500 million US grant that India supports but China views warily. The coalition's first foreign policy signals, such as the prime minister's first official visit, will indicate which direction the balance tilts.
The coalition must also manage a fragile parliamentary majority and face a general election in 2027, limiting room for drastic foreign policy shifts.
Source: scmp.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
