Kathmandu – Nepal’s 42nd and first female Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, formally assumed office on Sunday at the Prime Minister’s Office in Singha Durbar at 11:30 AM. She had been residing at the official Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar since Saturday.
Her appointment follows the resignation of former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on Bhadra 24, after violent Gen Z-led protests escalated across the country, resulting in widespread destruction of public and private property and the deaths of at least 72 people.
Key Activities on Assumption of Office
On her first day, Prime Minister Karki took several immediate steps:
- Consultation with Secretaries: She evaluated the damage sustained by the private sector, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, and pledged government support for reconstruction and recovery.
- Meeting with Families of Protest Victims: PM Karki met families of those who lost their lives during the protests to address their grievances and ensure state assistance.
- Assessment of Arson and Destruction:
- Government buildings, including Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts, and police posts, were set on fire, destroying crucial documents.
- Private homes, businesses, and industrial properties also suffered significant damage.
- While physical structures can be rebuilt, lost documents and archives are irreplaceable.
- Government buildings, including Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts, and police posts, were set on fire, destroying crucial documents.
- Government Recovery and Restoration Plan:
- Ensuring full operational resumption of security agencies, courts, and administrative offices.
- Providing support and recovery assistance to the affected private sector.
- Implementing programs focused on anti-corruption, good governance, and economic equality.
- Ensuring full operational resumption of security agencies, courts, and administrative offices.
Impact of the Gen Z Movement and Government Commitment
PM Karki described the Gen Z protests as a 27-hour transformative upheaval unprecedented globally. The movement’s main demands—ending corruption, promoting good governance, and achieving economic equality—are now central to the government’s agenda.
“The Gen Z movement has created a transformative impact according to the youth perspective. Our government is committed to implementing their demands, eradicating corruption, ensuring good governance, and promoting equality,” she said.
She emphasized the need for cooperation between the state and the private sector to restore economic stability and pledged special support for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
Detailed Analysis of Arson and Damage
- Targeted Government Institutions: Fires at Singha Durbar, Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts, and police posts.
- Lost Documents: Crucial government records and archives permanently destroyed.
- Private Property Damage: Homes, businesses, and industrial assets heavily affected.
- Investigation and Accountability: Authorities will investigate and bring perpetrators to justice.
PM Karki expressed shock and disappointment that such violence could be carried out by Nepalis, noting it was unprecedented in the country’s history.
Key Messages and First-Day Initiatives
- Evaluation of private and public sector losses.
- Support and reconstruction plans for affected small businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Addressing grievances of families who lost loved ones during the protests.
- Investigation and legal action against those responsible for arson and violence.
- Prioritizing anti-corruption, good governance, and economic equality in government programs.
Prime Minister Karki affirmed her administration will work according to the vision of the younger generation, with transparency, accountability, and a focus on national restoration.