"Must Work As Per GenZ Thinking": Sushila Karki Assumes Charge As Nepal PM
Nepal's new leader vowed Sunday to follow protesters' demands to "end corruption" as she began work as interim prime minister, after "Gen Z" youth demonstrations ousted her predecessor.
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Nepal's interim Prime Minister observed a moment of silence for victims of recent unrest.
Nepal's newly appointed interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki pledged Sunday to address protesters' demands to "combat corruption" as she commenced her duties following the ousting of her predecessor through youth-led "Gen Z" demonstrations.
The 73-year-old former chief justice has been entrusted with restoring stability and addressing demonstrators' calls for a corruption-free future before elections scheduled in six months.
The protests erupted Monday following a social media ban and rapidly intensified, with parliament and government buildings torched, reflecting deeper economic frustrations throughout Nepal.
"We must operate according to the Gen Z generation's perspective," stated Karki in her initial public address since taking office Friday.
According to World Bank statistics, 20% of Nepal's youth aged 15-24 are without employment, with the GDP per capita at merely $1,447.
"This group is demanding an end to corruption, effective governance, and economic equity," she continued. "We must collectively commit to fulfilling these objectives."
'From the streets'On Sunday, Karki held a moment of silence honoring those who perished during the unrest, before commencing meetings at the Singha Durbar government complex—where several buildings were set ablaze during Tuesday's mass demonstrations.
Government Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal confirmed Sunday that at least 72 people died in two days of protests, with 191 injured, increasing from an earlier reported toll of 51.
This marks the most severe unrest since the conclusion of the decade-long civil war and the monarchy's abolition in 2008.
Karki, known for her independent stance, was appointed following intensive negotiations involving Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel and President Ram Chandra Paudel, including consultations with "Gen Z" representatives, the collective term for the youth protest movement.
Thousands of young activists utilized the Discord platform to designate Karki as their preferred leader.
"I did not seek this position. My nomination came from the streets," Karki remarked.
Parliament has been dissolved with elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.
"Under no circumstances will we remain beyond six months. We will fulfill our responsibilities and commit to transferring authority to the next parliament and ministers," she added during her national address.
'Challenging times'Workers installed a new prime ministerial office sign in a building within the complex that escaped the fires.
President Paudel, who administered Karki's oath of office, stated late Saturday that "a peaceful resolution has been achieved through difficult negotiations."
Paudel described the situation as "extremely difficult, complex, and serious" for the Himalayan nation of 30 million citizens.
"I earnestly appeal to everyone to maximize this opportunity... ensuring the success of the March 5 election," he stated.
Military presence on the streets has decreased following their extensive deployment after the protests.
However, more than 12,500 escaped prisoners from jails damaged during the unrest remain at large, presenting significant security challenges.
Regional leaders have extended congratulations to Karki, including Nepal's powerful neighbors, India and China.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India's support for "peace, progress and prosperity" in predominantly Hindu Nepal, while China's foreign ministry conveyed its desire to "advance China-Nepal relations steadily forward."
Buddhism represents Nepal's second-largest faith, and the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, wished Karki "complete success in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the Nepalese people during these challenging times."