Nepal's Interim PM Sushila Karki Vows To Serve, Not Cling To Power; Cabinet Formation Expected Soon

Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki took charge on Sunday (14 September) days after the massive Gen Z uprising that ousted KP Sharma Oli led government in the Himalayan nation, India Today reported.

She urged unity to rebuild the nation, stressing her government aims to serve, not cling to power.

Karki added that those killed in the protests would be honoured as martyrs.

The 73-year-old former Nepal Supreme Court Chief Justice stated she would hold office for no longer than six months, before transferring authority to the new Parliament. Her cabinet formation is expected today.

"My team and I are not here to taste the power. We won't stay for more than 6 months. We will hand over the responsibility to the new parliament. We won’t succeed without your support," the interim Prime Minister said.

Speaking on Nepal’s economic challenges, Karki urged all stakeholders to unite in rebuilding the country.

“All stakeholders must come together to rebuild Nepal. We will not give up. We will work to restore our nation," she said.

"We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation," Karki added.

Kathmandu witnessed huge Gen Z-led protests on 8 September, sparked by a social media ban but rooted in anger over corruption, nepotism and inequality.

Ensuing violence left 51 dead and over 1,300 injured. The next day, KP Sharma Oli resigned, collapsing his CPN-UML government.

"Twenty-seven hours of continuous movement is a first in Nepal. The protesters are demanding economic equality and the eradication of corruption," Karki noted, adding, "Those involved in incidents of vandalism will be investigated".

She announced, "I am deeply pained by the loss suffered by families, especially those who lost school- and college-going children. Those killed in the crackdown on the Gen Z Revolution will be declared martyrs. A financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh will be provided to the families of the martyrs, and aid will also be extended to those injured."

The interim Prime Minister also announced a judicial probe into murders, violence, arson, and looting linked to the Gen Z demonstrations.

Karki alleged that the 9 September attacks on government and private properties were orchestrated conspiracies, not spontaneous acts of protest.

In a national address, she said the arson and destruction could not have been carried out by ordinary youths.

She added that groups behind the violence have been identified, stressing such lawlessness is unacceptable.

Karki was sworn in on Friday night as Nepal’s first woman prime minister, ending days of political uncertainty and marking a turning point in the country’s politics.

Her appointment as interim PM followed a collective endorsement from protesters, who backed her for her integrity and independence.

Following her appointment, President Ram Chandra Poudel dissolved Parliament on the interim government’s advice, scheduling fresh elections for 5 March 2026.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated Sushila Karki on assuming office, describing her appointment as “a shining example of women’s empowerment”.

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