PM Balen Shah Passes Republic Day Address to President, Shifting Ceremonial Power

Prime Minister Balen Shah has announced he will not deliver the traditional Republic Day address on Jestha 15, a significant departure from established protocol. In an unprecedented move, the Prime Minister has formally requested President Ramchandra Paudel to address the nation, reinforcing the President's constitutional role as the symbol of the Republic. This decision subtly elevates the ceremonial authority of the Presidency and could signal a strategic depoliticization of national holidays by the executive. For everyday Nepalis, this emphasizes the unifying figure of the President above party politics, fostering a sense of national cohesion. The move also highlights Prime Minister Shah's unconventional approach to governance, further defining his tenure.

• PM Balen Shah cedes Republic Day address to President Paudel, re-aligning ceremonial executive power. #SamacharSanjal #NepalPolitics #Election2026