Sushila Karki, Nepal’s 73-year-old former chief justice, has been tasked with leading a new interim government to address widespread protests and prepare for elections. The appointment follows a period of intense civil unrest sparked by a social media ban and fueled by long-standing economic problems, including high youth unemployment.
The protests, which began with the social media ban, quickly escalated into violence, with key government buildings set on fire. The government’s chief secretary, Eaknarayan Aryal, reported a death toll of at least 72 people and 191 injuries, marking the worst unrest since the end of Nepal’s civil war in 2008.
A Government for a New Generation
In her first public comments since taking office on Friday, Karki emphasized the need to align with the demands of “Gen Z”, the youth-led protest movement. “We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation,” she said. This group has been vocal in demanding an end to corruption, better governance, and economic equality. The World Bank notes that one-fifth of Nepalis aged 15-24 are unemployed.
Karki’s appointment came after intense negotiations by army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel and President Ram Chandra Paudel. The protesters themselves had put forward Karki’s name via the Discord app. “My name was brought from the streets,” she acknowledged.
The new government has a clear mandate. Karki pledged to serve for no more than six months before handing over power to the next parliament and ministers, with elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.
While soldiers have scaled back their presence in the streets, a significant security challenge remains, with over 12,500 prisoners having escaped from jails during the chaos. Regional leaders, including those from India and China, have expressed support for the new government, hoping for peace and stability.
