Nepal’s newly appointed interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, has pledged to prioritize the demands of the “Gen Z” protest movement that forced the resignation of her predecessor after a week of violent unrest. At 73, Karki, a former Chief Justice known for her independence, takes charge during one of Nepal’s most turbulent moments since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. In her first address, she acknowledged that her leadership came not from political ambition but “from the streets,” where thousands of young activists rallied through digital platforms like Discord to nominate her as their choice. She has been tasked with stabilizing the country and steering it toward elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.

The protests erupted after a controversial social media ban but quickly escalated into a wider movement fueled by frustration over unemployment, inequality, and deep-rooted corruption. With nearly one-fifth of young Nepalis aged 15–24 unemployed and economic hardships mounting, demonstrators set fire to Parliament and government buildings, demanding systemic reform. At least 72 people were killed and almost 200 injured during the chaos, while over 12,500 prisoners escaped amid the breakdown of order. Karki, in a symbolic gesture, held a minute’s silence for the victims before beginning her first cabinet meetings in Singha Durbar, the government complex where parts of the premises were torched. She emphasized that her administration’s legitimacy rests on delivering good governance and transparency, promising that “corruption must end if Nepal is to move forward.”

While security has begun to stabilize with soldiers scaling back their presence, challenges remain daunting. The interim government must not only address immediate law-and-order issues but also restore public trust, manage international expectations, and prepare for credible elections within six months. Regional powers India and China have already extended their support, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirming India’s commitment to Nepal’s “peace, progress, and prosperity,” and Beijing pledging to strengthen bilateral ties. For Nepal’s restless youth, however, Karki’s words will only carry weight if backed by visible reforms that tackle corruption and economic disparity. The coming months will test whether this unprecedented transition, driven by the anger of a generation, can truly lay the foundation for a corruption-free and more equitable Nepal.