Nepal Interim PM Karki Pledges End Corruption After Deadly Protests

Sushila Karki has been appointed interim Prime Minister of Nepal following mass protests led by Gen Z youth demanding an end to corruption, good governance, and economic equality. The protests, sparked by a social media ban, escalated to violence resulting in at least 72 deaths and significant damage to government buildings, marking Nepal's worst unrest since its civil war ended in 2008. Karki, a 73-year-old former Chief Justice, was selected by the protesters through negotiations involving the army chief and the president, and she pledged to serve only until upcoming elections in March 2026. She emphasized working in accordance with the values and demands of the young generation and promised to restore order and fulfill protesters' demands. The unrest highlighted deep economic challenges, including high youth unemployment and low GDP per capita. Karki’s appointment symbolizes a response to the youth-driven movement for change and signals a commitment to addressing Nepal's longstanding issues of corruption and inequality.