Nepal’s newly elected interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, has vowed to heed the demands of youth protesters for a corruption-free future, as she begins efforts to restore order following days of violent demonstrations that forced out her predecessor.
Naijaonpoint reports that Karki, a 73-year-old former chief justice, was sworn in on Sunday, September 14, 2025, and immediately unveiled her first cabinet picks on Monday in Kathmandu.
In a ceremony held outdoors in front of the fire-damaged presidential office, President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office to three key ministers, with the event broadcast live on national television.
A lawyer renowned for his work on corruption, governance and human rights cases, Om Prakash Aryal, was appointed Home Minister as well as Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.
Kulman Ghising, credited with ending Nepal’s long history of electricity load-shedding during his time at the Nepal Electricity Authority, was handed the energy, infrastructure, transport and urban development portfolios.
A respected economist and former finance secretary, Rameshwor Khanal, was named Finance Minister, tasked with addressing unemployment and reviving a fragile economy.
Naijaonpoint reports that the ministers’ inauguration comes after a week of chaos sparked by the government’s ban on social media, which ignited anger among “Gen Z” protesters already disillusioned by corruption and poor governance.
At least 72 people were killed in just two days of clashes, with 191 still hospitalised, according to official figures. Government buildings, including parliament, were torched in scenes described as the worst unrest since the end of Nepal’s civil war and the abolition of the monarchy in 2008.
Analysts say youth frustration over high unemployment played a significant role in fuelling the protests.
According to the World Bank, nearly 20 per cent of Nepalis aged 15 to 24 are unemployed, with GDP per capita at just $1,447.
Karki acknowledged the challenge ahead but assured the public her administration would prioritise reforms.
“We must build a corruption-free Nepal for the future of our young people. This government will honour that demand,” she declared.