Nepal’s new prime minister, Sushila Karki, took office Sunday and called for calm and cooperation after days of violent protests last week that left at least 72 people dead and damaged key government buildings and politicians’ homes.
Karki told top officials gathered at her temporary office that each family of slain protesters will receive 1 million rupees (about $11,330) and that those injured would be taken care of, state television reported. “We all need to get together to rebuild the country,” Karki said, pledging to work to restore order and get the South Asian nation back on track.
The mass demonstrations, described by participants and observers as the “protest of Gen Z,” began Sept. 8 after authorities briefly blocked social media platforms. Tens of thousands of mostly young people took to the streets, expressing anger over entrenched corruption, economic hardship and the perceived opulence of politicians’ children, known locally as “nepo kids.” The demonstrations escalated into violence within days.
On Sept. 9, protesters attacked the parliament building and police opened fire, according to officials. The actual office of the prime minister, an old white palace converted to an office, was burnt along with the offices of the president, the Supreme Court, several key ministries and multiple police stations. Businesses and private homes were also targeted, including outlets of a popular supermarket chain. Authorities say at least 72 people died in the clashes.
The unrest prompted the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, who left his official residence. Calm was largely restored after the army took control of the streets, and negotiations involving protesters, the military and the president moved forward toward forming an interim government. Karki, 73, was named prime minister on Sept. 12 and assumed office this week.
Karki is Nepal’s first woman prime minister and served as the country’s only female chief justice from 2016 to 2017. She has been noted for a public record that included a high-profile stance against corruption while on the bench, and supporters say her appointment is intended to help bridge political divisions and restore public confidence.
Officials have set fresh parliamentary elections for March 5. In her remarks after taking office, Karki emphasized reconstruction and national unity, and vowed to prioritize accountability and relief for those affected by the unrest. Investigations into the violence and those responsible for attacks on state property were under way, according to government statements.