Nepal PM Adds Three Ministers to Interim Cabinet

Photo: Collected

Nepal’s Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Monday appointed three ministers to her interim government, which is tasked with holding fresh elections in March following violent protests that toppled the previous administration.

Karki, the country’s first female prime minister, named Kalman Gurung as energy minister, Rameshore Khanal as finance minister, and Om Prakash Aryal as home minister.

The 73-year-old former Supreme Court chief justice assumed office on 12 September. Widely respected for her anti-corruption stance, she has pledged to restore governance and oversee a peaceful transition of power.

Last week’s demonstrations, dubbed the “Gen Z protest,” left at least 72 people dead and hundreds injured. The army imposed a curfew before agreeing to install Karki as head of the interim government, which will guide the nation until the elections.

“I did not come to this position seeking it, but because voices from the streets demanded that Sushila Karki be given this responsibility,” she said on Sunday. “Our role is only for six months — to complete the assigned tasks and hand over to the next government.”

Karki now faces the dual challenge of meeting young protesters’ demands while rebuilding political institutions weakened during the unrest. She has pledged to fight corruption, strengthen governance, and promote economic equality.

Students and business leaders have expressed confidence in her leadership. Many see her support from both the army and the public as vital for stability.

The protests began on 8 September after a brief social media ban escalated into nationwide anger over corruption and poverty. Demonstrators stormed government buildings, including Parliament, the president’s office, and the Supreme Court, while some private businesses were also targeted.

Calm was restored only after the army regained control, paving the way for negotiations that resulted in Karki’s interim administration.