Nepal's newly-appointed interim prime minister Sushila Karki has announced that she will remain in the position for no longer than six months. Karki, who took office following a tense period of protests that resulted in the deaths of over 70 individuals, expressed that her ascendance to leadership was not a choice but a necessity due to public demand.
I did not wish for this job. It was after voices from the streets that I was compelled to accept, Karki stated in her first address since taking the oath on Friday. She confirmed her commitment to transfer power to a new government following elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.
The recent unrest in Nepal was triggered by anti-corruption protests that erupted after a ban on social media platforms. The protests, which began on September 8, led to violence, including vandalism of homes belonging to politicians and the burning of parliament.
Karki, who previously served as the Chief Justice of Nepal, emphasized the need to align government actions with the aspirations of the younger generation. We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation. What this group is demanding is the end of corruption, good governance, and economic equality, she remarked.
The new leader faces significant challenges: restoring law and order, rebuilding institutions damaged during protests, and addressing deep-seated public discontent. Her reputation for integrity may help her navigate these turbulent times, but she is also aware of the controversies surrounding her past tenure as chief justice.
Karki's commitment to a short term in office reflects the urgency of the situation in Nepal, with citizens yearning for substantive change in their governance structure and democratic processes.
