Kathmandu, September 14: Nepal’s newly appointed interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki pledged on Sunday to hand over power within six months, after taking charge in the wake of mass protests that left at least 72 people dead and toppled the government.
Karki, 73, a former chief justice known for her clean image, was sworn in on Friday following negotiations between President Ram Chandra Paudel, Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel and leaders of the youth-driven “Gen Z” movement that spearheaded the unrest.
“I did not wish for this job. It was after voices from the streets that I was compelled to accept,” Karki said in her first remarks. “We will not stay here more than six months in any situation, we will complete our responsibilities and pledge to hand over to the next Parliament and Ministers.”
The protests, triggered by a ban on social media on Sept. 8, spiralled into two days of chaos, during which parliament and several government buildings were set ablaze. Officials said 72 people, including three police, were killed and 191 injured, in the worst unrest since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008.
“We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation,” Karki said. “What this group is demanding is the end of corruption, good governance and economic equality.”
Thousands of young activists had used the Discord app to nominate Karki as leader. She now faces daunting challenges, including restoring order, rebuilding parliament, tackling 20% youth unemployment, and addressing the escape of more than 12,500 prisoners during the violence.
President Paudel said Karki’s appointment was a “peaceful solution has been found through a difficult process” and appealed for calm ahead of fresh elections set for March 5, 2026.
Regional powers India and China congratulated Karki, with both governments pledging support for Nepal’s peace and stability.
