‘New Generation Can Not Only Question but Also Govern’ Says Swarnim Wagle at RSP Convention

KATHMANDU: The Vice Chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Dr. Swarnim Wagle, has said that the new generation in Nepal is capable not only of questioning the system but also of governing the country effectively.

Speaking at the party’s first national general convention in Chitwan, Wagle said the RSP was born out of a deep public demand for change rather than any artificial political alliance or division.

He said the party represents a political expression of long-standing public frustration combined with a strong aspiration for transformation in Nepal’s governance system.

“RSP is not a product of division or unnatural compromise. It is the political voice of accumulated frustration and a strong desire for positive change in Nepali society,” he said.

Call for Systemic Political Change

Wagle argued that although Nepal achieved major political milestones such as democracy and an inclusive constitution through past movements, the institutional quality of governance has not developed as expected.

He pointed out gaps between expectations and outcomes, saying elections have become frequent but accountability remains weak, while state institutions have expanded without matching improvement in capacity or public service delivery.

“The size of the state has expanded, but its effectiveness has not improved. Rights have increased, but service quality has not,” he said.

He further said that economic transformation has not translated into sufficient dignified employment opportunities, creating structural contradictions in the system.

Criticism of Incentive Structure in Politics and Economy

According to Wagle, Nepal’s core challenge is not a lack of resources or potential, but a distorted incentive structure that discourages merit and encourages access-based success.

He said it remains difficult for honest individuals to enter politics, while those with connections or influence find it easier to succeed. Similarly, innovation in business is constrained by proximity to power rather than competitiveness.

“The system rewards access over ability, and protection over productivity,” he said.

Vision for a New Political Culture

Wagle emphasized that RSP’s mission is not limited to changing governments but to transforming political culture itself.

He said the party seeks to move from patronage-based politics to meritocracy, and from fragmented governance to citizen-centered democracy.

“We are not here only to replace governments. We are here to transform political culture,” he said.

He added that the party’s strength should not only be anger but also hope, not only criticism but alternatives, and not only protest but construction.

A Vision for a Reformed Nepal

Outlining RSP’s vision for Nepal, Wagle called for an inclusive liberal democracy where elections form governments, but rule of law, constitutional values, and civil liberties constrain power.

He said Nepal should evolve into a competitive economy where capability—not access—determines success, and where entrepreneurship and hard work drive prosperity.

He also called for a just society where a child’s future is determined by talent rather than caste, geography, language, or economic background.

Wagle stressed the need for a capable and service-oriented state that supports citizens rather than dominating them, and a country where young people are not forced to migrate for opportunities.

Political Transition Narrative

Describing RSP’s political journey, Wagle said the party is transitioning from a movement-based force to an institutional political organization.

He said the first general convention marks not just an organizational milestone but a symbolic beginning of political renewal in Nepal.

“This could be the beginning of Nepal’s political renaissance—from frustration to hope, from irresponsibility to accountability, and from protectionism to competition,” he said.

He concluded by urging party members to transform frustration into construction and resistance into transformation, calling for collective effort to build a prosperous, inclusive, and confident Nepal.