Nepal 2020-2023: From the Institutional Crisis to New Political Paths

The article analyses some of the main events in Nepal between 2020 and 2023 in order to outline the political and economic framework of the Himalayan country during the pandemic and the political-institutional crisis that led to the dissolution of the Communist Party of Nepal and the return of Sher Bahadur Deuba as prime minister of the country. In fact, the institutions of the republic had to deal with the chaos triggered by the internal struggles on the communist front and in particular between K.P. Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The House of Representatives was twice dissolved and twice the dissolution was overruled by the Supreme Court. In terms of foreign policy, the question of the territory of Kalapani remained a decisive point in the long crisis with India. Oli maintained a clear pro-Chinese orientation, while Deuba’s position was more open to improve the relations with India and also with the United States. The appointment of Dahal as prime minister at the end of 2022, the subsequent new break with the Marxist-Leninists and the important visit to India of the Maoist leader all seem to confirm a rapprochement with New Delhi.