Kathmandu’s streets remain tense as Sushila Karki assumed the premiership and formed an interim cabinet, calling for unity after anti-corruption protests left at least 72 people dead and more than 2,100 injured. Violent demonstrations over corruption, nepotism and a short-lived social media ban triggered the collapse of the previous government led by K. P. Sharma Oli.
Ms Karki, a former chief justice and Nepal’s first woman prime minister, appointed three ministers noted for their reform credentials: Rameshwore Prasad Khanal, Kulman Ghising and Om Prakash Aryal. The interim government’s mandate includes restoring order, rebuilding damaged institutions and conducting elections set for 5 March 2026.
Official buildings across Kathmandu were targets of arson and vandalism during the unrest, including the parliament, Supreme Court, presidential residence and the prime minister’s office. Homes and businesses associated with political elites suffered damage, while protesters also attacked police stations. Army forces were deployed to enforce curfews and regained control of key areas.
The protests, driven largely by young people who demanded transparency and accountability, erupted after the government briefly blocked several social media platforms. The movement rapidly broadened to encompass deep-seated grievances over inequality, misuse of power and elite privilege. President Ram Chandra Poudel dissolved parliament following Ms Karki’s appointment, signalling a shift toward political renewal under public pressure.
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