Nepal’s Interim PM Pledges Reform After Deadly Youth-Led Protests

English , International - بین الاقوامی , / Friday, September 19th, 2025

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Nepal’s interim prime minister Sushila Karki vowed on Friday to tackle corruption, boost jobs and improve living standards in her first address since taking office, following violent protests that toppled the previous government.
The demonstrations, led largely by young Nepalis frustrated over corruption and poor governance, left at least 72 people dead and more than 2,100 injured during two days of unrest last week. Protesters set fire to government buildings, including the parliament, the Supreme Court and the prime minister’s office, causing damage estimated at up to $1.5 billion, officials said.
Karki, Nepal’s first female leader and a former Supreme Court chief justice, said the turmoil was rooted in failures to uphold the constitution’s promise of good governance and prosperity. She pledged greater transparency and accountability, and confirmed that parliamentary elections will be held on March 5.
Speaking on Nepal’s national day, which marked the 10th anniversary of the constitution, Karki promised reforms to restore public trust. “The protests occurred because we failed to fulfil the spirit and objectives of the constitution,” she said.
Energy and Infrastructure Minister Kulman Ghising appealed for support from citizens and the diaspora to help rebuild destroyed public property. Many Supreme Court hearings are now being held in tents after court documents and IT systems were burned.
Police said they have received over 30,000 emails from the public with videos and photographs to assist in investigations. Rating agency Fitch warned the unrest could weigh on Nepal’s already fragile economy and fiscal stability.