Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Friday pledged sweeping reforms to address the grievances that fueled a deadly wave of youth-led protests earlier this month. Speaking during celebrations for Nepal’s national day, which marks the 10th anniversary of the country’s current constitution, Karki promised to tackle corruption, expand job opportunities, and improve living standards.
“The protests reflect the aspirations of the young generation, a growing level of popular awareness and dissatisfaction over the rising corruption,” she said. Acknowledging systemic failures, Karki added, “We must accept the fact that the protests took place because of the failure to fulfill the spirit and objectives of providing good governance and prosperity enshrined in the constitution.”
The remarks were Karki’s first public comments since assuming office last week following the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. Oli stepped down after violent demonstrations, dubbed “Gen Z protests” by organizers, claimed 72 lives and left more than 2,100 injured. Protesters, largely young Nepalis, torched vehicles, vandalized property, and set fire to key state buildings, including the prime minister’s office complex, the Supreme Court, and the parliament. Several luxury hotels and private properties were also damaged in the unrest.
Karki, 73, is no stranger to making history. A former chief justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, she was the first woman to lead the judiciary and is now the country’s first female prime minister. Her appointment was backed by Gen Z representatives, who praised her long-standing commitment to fighting corruption and upholding the rule of law.
The interim leader emphasized that her government is determined to respond to the demands of the young generation. “The government is committed to creating employment opportunities, raising quality of life, transparency in government work, corruption control, and development,” she said.
Karki has also pledged to ensure that parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5 will be conducted on time. To strengthen her interim administration, she appointed three ministers with reputations for reformist credentials, signaling an intent to restore public trust.
Observers say Karki’s leadership will be closely watched in the months ahead, as Nepal faces the twin challenges of addressing the root causes of youth unrest and preparing for a high-stakes election that could reshape the country’s political landscape.
Leave a comment