Nepal’s new interim prime minister, Sushila Karki, has sworn in her first ministers as the country struggles to recover from violent anti-corruption protests that left at least 72 people dead and forced the previous government to resign.
The swearing-in ceremony was held under an outdoor awning outside the fire-damaged presidential office in Kathmandu on Monday, and was broadcast live on national television. President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office.
The protests erupted on September 8 after the government imposed a controversial social media ban, which critics said was meant to silence dissent.
The demonstrations quickly spread across the country, fueled by anger over corruption, unemployment, and economic stagnation.
Protesters stormed parliament and set key government buildings ablaze, in what observers have described as the most serious unrest since the abolition of Nepal’s monarchy in 2008.
At least 191 people remain hospitalized, according to official figures, and security forces are still deployed in several cities to prevent fresh violence.
Prime Minister Karki, a 73-year-old former Chief Justice and the country’s first woman to hold the position, now faces the tough task of restoring order and preparing the country for general elections set for March 2026. She has promised to meet protester demands for a tougher stance against corruption and better governance.
Three key ministers took the oath on Monday:
Om Prakash Aryal, a well-known anti-graft lawyer and human rights advocate, who will serve as Home Minister and oversee law, justice, and parliamentary affairs.
Kulman Ghising, credited with ending Nepal’s years-long power cuts during his time as head of the Nepal Electricity Authority, who will lead Energy, Infrastructure, Transport, and Urban Development.
Rameshwor Khanal, a respected economist and former finance secretary, who has been given the Finance Ministry and will face the challenge of tackling Nepal’s high unemployment rate.
Nearly one in five young people (ages 15–24) in Nepal are unemployed, according to World Bank data, a statistic that fueled much of the anger behind the protests.
Political observers say the interim government will have to act fast to regain public trust, rebuild damaged infrastructure, and show real progress before the next election season begins.
