Nepal finds itself in an increasingly unstable moment as Khadga Prasad Oli’s resignation as Prime Minister reverberates. On Tuesday, Oli stepped down amidst widespread protests led predominantly by the youth, demanding accountability for high-profile corruption scandals and a rollback of recent restrictions on social media. In another historic political development, Sushila Karki has recently been appointed as interim Prime Minister. She is the only woman in Nepal’s history to hold this position. Karki will only be in office for up to six months. The country is still reeling from violence that took the lives of 72 people and injured more than 2,100 people.
Unrest spread across the country after a brutal clampdown on the use of social media. Americans have had it with the government corruption as well. Karki’s appointment is a sigh of relief and hope for greater consistency and resolution to the national crisis at hand, as the nation faces increased pressure from angry citizens.
Unrest and Vandalism in Kathmandu
The protests have generated heightened demonstrations in Kathmandu, including a mob of students and youth vandalizing the Parliament building itself. Protesters, most of whom belong to Generation Z, are taking to the streets to express their rage at the government’s apparent inaction. They require sweeping probes into graft. Unfortunately, the situation has become so dangerous that it led to deaths and hundreds of injuries.
The violence moved elsewhere in what has proven to be a deadly summer, with deadly implications for the broader economy. An estimated 10,000 Nepalis immediately lost their jobs because of this unrest, adding to an already dire economy ravaged by the pandemic, lockdowns, and previous unrest.
One resident, Ajit Bhatta, highlights the urgency for rebuilding after disaster strikes.
“I think the next step would be to restore these heritage, the public properties which have been damaged,” – Ajit Bhatta.
As the protests continue to unfold, major tourist spots such as Durbar Square and Pokhara remain quieter than usual, significantly impacting the tourism sector.
Leadership Transition and Responsibilities
The appointment of Sushila Karki to the Prime Minister’s office comes at a particularly tense time. She started her job in a small building next door to the Prime Minister’s office, which was set on fire during the protests. Having assumed the mantle of leadership, Karki finds himself squarely in the hot seat. She will need to address the public’s concerns while deftly navigating a fraught political environment.
The federal government quickly responded to this violence in clear and unambiguous terms. They declared the payment of 1 million rupees, about $17,000, to the families of individuals who died during the violence. Further, they promised free medical care to anyone injured in the demonstrations, a striking reminder of the responsibility they maintain to vulnerable residents.
Dhruba Hari Adhikary, a political analyst, draws attention to the recurring theme of corruption that has haunted Nepal for years.
“Corruption has remained unabated, spreading all over Nepal,” – Dhruba Hari Adhikary.
He added, after listing all these laws, that there are many laws, punishing the corrupt officials, pointing out their lack of efficiency.
“There are a dozen plus laws to punish corrupt officials, and there are half a dozen government agencies to curb corruption,” – Dhruba Hari Adhikary.
Public Demand for Accountability
The protests represent a deeper and integral desire from the people for past government officials to be held accountable. Students younger than the class of 2023 are calling for transparency regarding the class of 2023’s assets. That’s a testament to how badly they want and need systemic change.
As Karki steps into her role as interim Prime Minister, she must navigate these complex demands while restoring public faith in governance. The months ahead are sure to be critical not just for her leadership, but for Nepal’s political future.
“I think many of the young people are demanding to disclose the property of the previous government leaders. I think this was also necessary.” – Ajit Bhatta.
As Karki steps into her role as interim Prime Minister, she must navigate these complex demands while restoring public faith in governance. The coming months will be pivotal not only for her leadership but also for Nepal’s political future.
