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Within 72 hours in September 2025, three governments collapsed across France, Nepal, and Bangladesh, each upheaval triggered by domestic crises and massive protests, representing one of the most dramatic global waves of political change in recent years.
France: Collapse Amid Fiscal Turmoil
France’s government, led by Prime Minister François Bayrou, collapsed on September 8, 2025, following a devastating confidence vote in the National Assembly. Lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected Bayrou’s proposal to slash €44 billion ($52 billion) in spending to address France’s ballooning deficit, with 364 votes against and 194 in favor—a crushing defeat in the 577-seat lower house. This marked the fifth prime minister to be ousted in less than two years.
Major stats and fallout:
- Budget Deficit: France faced an urgent need to save at least $51 billion in its 2026 budget.
- Parliamentary Fragmentation: No coalition achieved majority, making governance “close to mundane instability”.
- International Impact: France entered a legislative deadlock amid wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and shifting priorities globally.
- Immediate Effects: President Emmanuel Macron began the search for his fifth PM in two years as opposition parties united to force a new government.
Nepal: Gen Z-Led Uprising
In Nepal, a youthful Gen Z movement toppled the KP Oli regime in just two days, following violent protests against a controversial social media ban that killed 19 civilians. The uprising reflected deep dissatisfaction with entrenched corruption and repeated government failures—Nepal has seen 13 governments since abolishing its monarchy in 2008.
Key stats and events:
- Fatalities: At least 19 killed in clashes sparked by the social media ban.
- Cabinet Reversal: The ban was lifted but protests escalated, with demands for accountability and jobs.
- Political Vacuum: Despite resisting calls to step down, Oli’s government finally fell to massive street agitation.
- India's Response: India tightened border vigilance as South Asian instability deepened.
- Legacy of Instability: Since 2008, Nepal had cycled through 13 governments, often amid unrest.
Bangladesh: Exile and Military Takeover
Bangladesh plunged into chaos when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina abruptly resigned and fled to India amid weeks of escalating protests, which left more than 300 dead. Originally student-led resistance against job quota policies ballooned into nationwide demonstrations against corruption and crackdown on dissent. In the resulting vacuum, military chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman installed a temporary government and dissolved the parliament.
Major statistics and consequences:
- Protest Deaths: Over 300 killed in the riot waves since August 5.
- Government Exile: Hasina resigned and left the country for India.
- Military Rule: Parliament was dissolved and an interim administration took control.
- Political Opposition: BNP leader Khaleda Zia released from jail, signaling potential new rivalries.
- Election Outlook: Bangladesh set for controversial polls in February 2026, raising fears of strategic realignment in South Asia.
Resulting Global Ripple Effects
South Asian Volatility
The rapid government collapses across Nepal and Bangladesh—alongside unrest in neighboring Myanmar—pushed South Asia into a period of strategic uncertainty. India responded with heightened security along its borders, wary of the potential for violence and the impact on regional alliances.
European Legislative Deadlock
France’s political crisis deepened national paralysis, with uncertainty about fiscal reforms and mounting international pressures. No consensus emerged in parliament, and President Macron faced the prospect of new legislative elections or even constitutional reform.
Breakdown Table: Three Government Collapses in 72 Hours
Country
Leader Ousted
Trigger Event
Deaths/Impact
Next Step
Global Reaction
France
François Bayrou
No-confidence vote over budget cuts
Govt. collapsed, PM resigned
Parliamentary deadlock
Economic concerns for EU
Nepal
KP Oli
Gen Z protests, social media ban
19 killed in protests
Cabinet resigned
India border alert, youth unrest
Bangladesh
Sheikh Hasina
Anti-quota protests, crackdowns
300+ killed, PM fled
Military interim rule
Strategic shift, election uncertain
