As she took charge of Nepal’s interim prime minister on Sunday, Sushila Karki’s first act was to define the limits of her own power. Taking charge at Singha Durbar on Sunday, the former Chief Justice made clear that her government is only a bridge to elections.In the same breath, she located the moral core of her authority in the Gen Z protests of September 8, declaring those killed as “martyrs” and promising their families state compensation. By doing so, Karki framed her government not as a continuation of discredited politics, but as an answer to the demand for justice that brought her to power.
Sushila Karki, former Chief Justice of Nepal, became the country’s first woman to hold the post of prime minister when she assumed office at Singha Durbar on Sunday, days after violent protests across the country.After taking charge, Karki addressed the media and said her government’s role is limited to ensuring stability, justice, and preparing for elections within six months.
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She inherits an office vacated by KP Sharma Oli after days of violent protests left 72 people dead. These protests, led largely by young Nepalis, were sparked by the government’s social media ban but quickly turned into a movement demanding accountability, economic reform, and an end to corruption.“I and my team are not here to taste the power. We won’t stay for more than six months. We will hand over the responsibility to the new parliament. We won’t succeed without your support,” she said at a press conference.She recognised the September 8 youth-led protest and announced that those who died will be honoured as martyrs. She also declared that their families would receive compensation of NRs one million each.“27 hours of movement is first in Nepal. They are demanding economic equality and the eradication of corruption. All the deceased of September 8 are announced martyrs and will be given one million each. Expenses of the injured will be borne by the government, and they will also be compensated,” she said.According to The Himalayan Times, 72 people have died in the protests so far — 59 demonstrators, 10 prison inmates, and three police officers.Karki said the government would help in sending the bodies of the deceased to their home districts. She also said that those who suffered damage to personal property will be supported by the state. Reconstruction and economic recovery will be a priority. “We are in an economic crisis. We should discuss and work on the reconstruction,” she added.Karki, who earlier served as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, has taken over with the backing of the Gen Z-led protest movement.The September 8 demonstrations, led mainly by young activists, were triggered by anger over corruption, lack of accountability, and the government’s decision to ban social media.The 73-year-old was sworn in as interim Prime Minister on Friday. Protesters had endorsed her name, citing her independence and integrity, after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned following the unrest.
