Kathmandu Breathes Easy After Anti-Corruption Protests: Gen Z Hopes Rise with New PM Sushila Karki
Life in Kathmandu is slowly getting back on track after a week of fiery anti-corruption protests that shook Nepal’s capital and other cities. On Sunday morning, light traffic filled the streets, shops started reopening, and the tense atmosphere began to fade, pointing to a return to normalcy.
The protests kicked off on September 8, driven by young Gen Z activists fed up with corruption, lack of accountability, and political leaders who seemed out of touch. What really lit the fuse? The Nepalese government’s sudden ban on social media platforms, which many saw as a desperate move to silence voices calling for change.
But here’s a bright spot: The appointment of Sushila Karki as Nepal’s first female Prime Minister has sparked fresh hope among locals. As the 73-year-old former Chief Justice steps up, people are buzzing about her potential to shake things up.
Bijay Kumar Thapa, a Kathmandu resident, shared his thoughts with cautious excitement. "Today’s political parties need fresh, young Gen Z faces," he said. "Including them and building trust is key to avoiding a bigger crisis. If parties won’t back the government, bring in trusted individuals to the Cabinet. Pair that with upcoming elections, and Nepal could move forward."
Another local couldn’t hide his enthusiasm for the new leader. "Sushila Karki is great and kind-hearted," he said. "She was a judge before, so I trust she’ll introduce fair rules. Under her, Nepal can step into a new era with the younger generation."
Karki officially takes office today at Singha Durbar as interim Prime Minister. She’s already talking with her team and Gen Z representatives to build a lean, reform-focused Cabinet. According to The Kathmandu Post, an aide revealed she’ll kick off intense discussions Sunday morning. Even though she oversees all 25 ministries, Karki plans a slim team of no more than 15 ministers – a smart nod to demands from civil society and the youth protests.
Her rise comes straight from the streets. Massive Gen Z-led demonstrations against political deadlock, corruption, and economic gaps forced former PM KP Sharma Oli to resign. Protesters rallied behind Karki for her spotless reputation and independence, endorsing her as the ideal interim choice to steer Nepal through this turbulent time.
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