KATHMANDU, Sept 14 — Nepal’s new interim prime minister has pledged to heed the demands of Gen Z-led protests to “end corruption” as she assumed office, following the ouster of her predecessor by youth-driven demonstrations.
KATHMANDU, Sept 14 — Nepal’s new interim prime minister has pledged to heed the demands of Gen Z-led protests to “end corruption” as she assumed office, following the ouster of her predecessor by youth-driven demonstrations.
“We must work in line with the vision of the Gen Z generation,” Sushila Karki said in her first public remarks since being sworn in on Friday.
“What they are calling for is the end of corruption, good governance, and economic equality,” she added. “You and I must be determined to achieve that.”
The 73-year-old former chief justice observed a minute’s silence Sunday for those killed in the unrest before beginning meetings at the Singha Durbar government complex, where several buildings were torched during Tuesday’s mass protests.
At least 72 people were killed and 191 injured in just two days of demonstrations, government chief secretary Eaknarayan Aryal confirmed Sunday, revising an earlier toll of 51. The violence marked the worst upheaval since Nepal’s civil war ended and the monarchy was abolished in 2008.
Karki’s appointment, seen as symbolizing independence, came after negotiations led by army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel and President Ram Chandra Paudel, who also engaged with representatives of the Gen Z movement.
Young protesters, many coordinating via Discord, had rallied behind Karki as their preferred leader.
“I did not seek this position — my name was brought from the streets,” Karki admitted.
Following her appointment, parliament was dissolved and fresh elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.
“We will not remain in office for more than six months under any circumstances. We will fulfill our duties and hand over power to the next parliament and ministers,” she said in a national address. “This is only possible with your support.”
Meanwhile, workers installed a new signboard for the prime minister’s office in a building within the complex that escaped the fires.
President Paudel, who swore Karki in, said late Saturday that a “peaceful solution” had been reached after a “very difficult, complicated, and grave situation.”
He urged citizens to seize this chance to ensure the success of the March 5 election in the nation of 30 million people. — AFP
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