France, Nepal & Japan: Political Turmoil Amid Corruption, Protests, and Leadership Changes

Sep 13, 2025

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2025 has become a year of unprecedented political upheaval across multiple nations. France, Nepal, and Japan are grappling with leadership crises, corruption scandals, and widespread protests. From ousted prime ministers to historic appointments, these events highlight growing public dissatisfaction and the rising influence of citizen activism, especially among youth.

France: Budget Crisis Leads to Prime Minister’s Ouster

In France, political instability escalated as Prime Minister François Bayrou was removed following a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly. Key points include:

Vote Outcome: 364–194 in favour of ousting Bayrou.
Political Spectrum: Opposition parties including far-left and far-right groups united against the government.
Underlying Issues: Budget disagreements, austerity measures, and economic inequality fueled political gridlock.
Public Protests: Citizens protested austerity cuts, demanding reforms and accountability.

France now faces a leadership vacuum, and President Emmanuel Macron must navigate a highly fragmented political landscape to form a new government.

Nepal: Gen Z Protests Drive Historic Leadership Change

Nepal experienced a unique form of political activism as young citizens spearheaded protests leading to significant leadership changes.

Event	Details
Cause of Protests	Government corruption, social media ban, youth unemployment
Mass Demonstrations	Gen Z-led street protests, nationwide curfew imposed by military
Leadership Change	Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned; Home Minister also stepped down
Historic Appointment	Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki sworn in as Nepal’s first female Prime Minister
Upcoming Elections	Scheduled for March 5, 2026

The appointment of Sushila Karki is particularly notable due to her anti-corruption track record and judicial expertise. It reflects the increasing role of youth and digital platforms in shaping political decisions.

Japan: Resignation Amid Corruption and Electoral Losses

Japan faces instability as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation ahead of internal party elections:

Reason for Resignation: Poor performance of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in parliamentary elections and widespread corruption allegations.
Public Sentiment: Citizens expressed frustration over political scandals and lack of accountability.
Next Steps: LDP leadership election scheduled for October 4, 2025, which will determine Japan’s political direction.

This crisis highlights the vulnerability of established political systems to public scrutiny and the consequences of corruption on voter trust.

Comparative Overview: France, Nepal, Japan

Country	Leadership Change	Cause of Crisis	Key Public Concerns
France	François Bayrou ousted	Budget crisis, austerity	Economic inequality, political gridlock
Nepal	Sushila Karki appointed	Corruption, social media ban, youth protests	Accountability, reform, gender equality
Japan	Shigeru Ishiba resignation	Corruption, election losses	Transparency, governance, party credibility

Implications for Global Politics

Youth and Digital Activism: Especially in Nepal, Gen Z has demonstrated the power of organized activism and digital platforms in influencing leadership decisions.
Demand for Accountability: Citizens globally are demanding greater transparency and integrity from their leaders.
Shifts in Governance: Protests and corruption scandals force governments to reconsider policies and leadership approaches.
International Attention: Political instability in major nations can influence regional economies and diplomatic relations.

Conclusion

The political turmoil in France, Nepal, and Japan underscores a global trend: citizens are increasingly unwilling to tolerate corruption, inefficiency, and unaccountable governance. Whether through street protests, digital activism, or electoral mechanisms, public pressure is reshaping leadership and challenging traditional political structures.

These events highlight the importance of transparent governance, youth participation, and responsive political systems in maintaining stability and public trust.