Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, in her first public address since assuming office, pledged on Friday, September 19, 2025, to actively combat corruption, stimulate job creation, and elevate the overall living standards for the nation’s citizens. This significant commitment follows a recent and deadly surge of youth-led protests that ultimately led to the resignation of the previous government.
Speaking on Nepal’s national day, which commemorates a decade since the promulgation of the current constitution, Ms. Karki stated, “The protests clearly reflect the aspirations of the young generation, a growing level of popular awareness, and deep dissatisfaction over the increasing corruption.” She candidly admitted, “We must accept the fact that these protests occurred due to our failure to fulfill the spirit and objectives of providing good governance and prosperity enshrined in the constitution.”
Her remarks mark a pivotal moment since her appointment last week, where she was also tasked with overseeing parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5. Ms. Karki, a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, holds the distinction of being the first woman to lead Nepal and the only woman to have held the top judicial post.
The recent violent demonstrations, spearheaded by young Nepalis and referred to by organizers as ‘Gen Z protests,’ resulted in 72 fatalities and forced the former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to step down. The unrest also left more than 2,100 people injured, and widespread acts of arson and vandalism caused extensive damage to both public and private property. This included the main government complex housing the prime minister’s office, the Supreme Court, and the parliament building, as well as several luxury hotels.
Ms. Karki, 73, earned the support of ‘Gen Z’ representatives for her unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and upholding the rule of law. She reaffirmed the government’s dedication to creating employment, enhancing the quality of life, ensuring transparency in governance, controlling corruption, and fostering national development. Demonstrating her resolve for a fresh start, she has already appointed three ministers known for their reformist credentials to her interim cabinet.