Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first female Prime Minister, wasted no time setting a clear tone after stepping into her interim role. On Sunday, just moments after taking charge in Kathmandu, she addressed a press conference at Singha Durbar and promised her government won’t cling to power. “My team and I aren’t here to taste power,” she said. “We’ll stay for no more than six months, hand over to the new parliament, and we need your support to succeed.”
Karki’s words came amid Nepal’s recent political shake-up, driven by massive youth protests on September 8. These Gen Z-led demonstrations demanded economic reforms, an end to corruption, and real accountability from leaders. The protests turned violent, with reports from The Himalayan Times showing 72 deaths in total—59 demonstrators, 10 prison inmates, and three police officers.
In a heartfelt nod to the protesters, Karki hailed the 27-hour movement as a historic first for Nepal. She announced that all those killed on September 8 will be officially recognized as martyrs. Their families will receive one million Nepalese rupees (NRs) in compensation. The government will also cover medical expenses for the injured and provide additional support.
Karki didn’t stop there. She assured families that the state will help transport the bodies of the deceased from Kathmandu to their home districts. Acknowledging the widespread damage from the protests—like burned personal properties—she pledged compensation, possibly through soft loans or other aid. At the same time, she vowed to investigate vandalism and violence to hold those responsible accountable.
As Nepal grapples with economic crisis, Karki stressed that rebuilding and stabilizing the economy top her agenda. “We’re in tough times,” she said. “We must discuss and act on reconstruction right away.”
This 73-year-old trailblazer, who previously served as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, rose to the interim PM spot thanks to the youth movement’s endorsement. The protests erupted over frustration with corruption, elite failures, and a government social media ban, forcing former PM KP Sharma Oli to resign. Sworn in on Friday, Karki’s leadership marks a fresh chapter in Nepal’s push for justice and change.
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