KATHMANDU (Monitoring Desk) : Nepal’s new interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, has appealed for calm and cooperation as the country reels from violent anti-corruption protests that claimed at least 72 lives and left government institutions in ruins.
Karki, 73, a former chief justice and the nation’s first female prime minister, was sworn in on September 12 after the resignation of Khadga Prasad Oli. The ousted leader fled his residence following days of unrest sparked by a short-lived social media ban.
Addressing senior officials at her temporary office, Karki promised 1 million rupees (around $11,330) compensation for the families of slain protesters and pledged full medical support for the injured. “We all need to join hands to rebuild our country,” she urged, stressing unity to steer the Himalayan nation back on track.
The demonstrations — dubbed the “Gen Z Protest” — began on September 8 and quickly swelled into mass rallies. Tens of thousands, largely young Nepalis, took to the streets voicing outrage over rampant corruption, deepening poverty, and the lavish lifestyles of political elites’ children — dubbed “nepo kids.”
Violence erupted when protesters stormed the parliament building and police opened fire. By September 9, Kathmandu’s old white palace — the official prime minister’s office — was set ablaze along with government ministries, the presidential office, the supreme court, police stations, and private businesses, including branches of a well-known supermarket chain.
Calm returned only after the army moved in and negotiations began between the protesters, military, and the president over forming an interim government.
Karki, who built a reputation as a tough anti-corruption crusader during her term as Nepal’s first female chief justice in 2016–2017, has vowed to restore stability. Fresh parliamentary elections have been scheduled for March 5, 2026.
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