Nepal's Interim Cabinet Takes Oath Amid Turmoil

Nepal's interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki Takes Oath

In the shadow of burned government buildings and a nation shaken by unprecedented unrest, Nepal's interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki swore in her first group of ministers on September 15, 2025. This significant moment represents a cautious step toward stability in the Himalayan country, where youth-led protests against corruption and economic inequality turned violent, toppling the long-standing government of K.P. Sharma Oli. As Kathmandu begins to recover from the scars of deadly clashes, Karki's government faces the challenging task of restoring trust, addressing deep-seated grievances, and paving the way for new elections.

The protests that reshaped Nepal's political landscape began innocuously on September 8, 2025, but quickly snowballed into the country's most severe upheaval since the end of its civil war in 2006 and the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. Dubbed the "Gen Z Protest," the movement was ignited by the government's abrupt ban on over two dozen social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. This digital blackout was perceived as a desperate attempt to stifle dissent amid growing outrage over systemic corruption, nepotism, and the lavish lifestyles of politicians' children, often derided as "nepo kids."

For years, Nepal's youth have grappled with staggering unemployment rates, hovering around 20% for those aged 15-24, against a backdrop of a meager GDP per capita of just $1,447. The ban only amplified these frustrations, transforming online campaigns into mass street demonstrations. Tens of thousands poured into Kathmandu's streets, demanding accountability and an end to the elite's excesses. What started as peaceful rallies soon turned violent: protesters torched the parliament building, the prime minister's residence, the Supreme Court offices, and several police stations. Police responded with force, opening fire on crowds, while mobs targeted businesses owned by influential families.

The toll was devastating. Official figures report at least 72 deaths, including protesters, police officers, and bystanders, with 191 individuals still hospitalized and over 1,700 wounded in total. The chaos peaked on September 9, when flames engulfed key government structures, forcing Prime Minister Oli to resign and flee his official residence. With the capital in disarray, the Nepalese Army stepped in to restore order, patrolling streets and facilitating negotiations for an interim government.

Amid the rubble, a figure of integrity emerged as the protesters' choice: Sushila Karki, Nepal's former Chief Justice and now its first female prime minister. At 73, Karki brings a storied career marked by a zero-tolerance approach to corruption. During her tenure as Chief Justice from 2016 to 2017, the first woman in that role, she famously withstood an impeachment attempt after championing meritocracy over political cronyism.

Karki's ascent was unconventional. Young activists, coordinating via the Discord app, conducted an informal poll and overwhelmingly endorsed her as their preferred leader, viewing her as an "incorruptible" outsider despite her establishment ties. After intense deliberations involving Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel, President Ram Chandra Paudel, and Gen Z representatives, Karki was sworn in as interim prime minister on September 12, 2025. She described her appointment as one "brought from the streets," reluctantly accepting the role to guide Nepal through this crisis.

In her first address from a temporary office, Karki urged calm and unity, emphasizing the need to rebuild. "We must work together to get our nation back on track," she told officials, as broadcast on state television. She announced compensation of 1 million Nepalese rupees (about $11,330) for each family of the deceased protesters and pledged support for the injured. On her recommendation, President Paudel dissolved parliament, setting the stage for elections on March 5, 2026.

On September 15, under an outdoor awning near the fire-damaged presidential office, Karki oversaw the swearing-in of three pivotal ministers—a ceremony aired live to signal transparency and renewal. These appointments reflect a focus on expertise over political allegiance, aligning with the protesters' demands for good governance.

• Om Prakash Aryal, a prominent advocate specializing in corruption, governance, and human rights, was named Minister of Home Affairs, Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs. His role will be crucial in reforming the justice system and addressing grievances related to protests.

• Kulman Ghising, the former director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, renowned for eliminating chronic power outages (known as "load-shedding"), takes charge of Energy, Infrastructure, Transport, and Urban Development. His track record offers hope for tackling infrastructure woes that exacerbate economic hardship.

• Rameshwor Khanal, a respected economist and ex-finance secretary, assumes the Finance Ministry. With youth unemployment at the heart of the unrest, Khanal's expertise will be vital in crafting policies for economic revival and equality.

Karki emphasized that her government would prioritize Gen Z's calls, focusing on eradicating corruption, ensuring accountable leadership, and fostering economic opportunities. "We will work according to the demands of the Gen Z generation," she stated, committing to reforms ahead of the polls.

The international community has closely monitored Nepal's turmoil. India, a key neighbor, welcomed Karki's appointment, expressing optimism for peace and pledging continued cooperation for mutual prosperity. Analysts like Binay Mishra, a Kathmandu-based public policy expert, praise Karki's vocal stance against judicial politicization, which has bolstered her credibility.

Yet, challenges loom. Rebuilding destroyed infrastructure, healing societal divisions, and delivering on economic promises will be a significant challenge for this interim regime. Young voices, such as 28-year-old protester Biraj Aryal and 24-year-old law student Anjali Sah, express cautious optimism, highlighting Karki's integrity and historic role as a beacon for change.

As Nepal turns the page on this chapter of unrest, Karki's leadership represents a fragile yet hopeful sign. The coming months will determine if this interim government can transform protest-fueled chaos into lasting reform, ensuring a brighter future for its vibrant youth and resilient people.