Nepal’s Political U-Turn: Gen-Z Turns Against New PM Sushila Karki Just Days After Backing Her

From Nomination to Protest in Just Days

In a dramatic turnaround, Generation Z activists who had nominated Sushila Karki as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister less than a week ago have now taken to the streets against her. The protests outside her official residence reflect the fragile alliances that formed amid recent upheavals and raise serious questions about the durability of Nepal’s newly born interim government.

Protests Outside PM’s Residence

On Monday, chaos unfolded in Kathmandu, just four days after Karki—Nepal’s first female Prime Minister and former Chief Justice—was sworn in. A group of Gen Z activists led by Sudan Gurung from the NGO Hamro Awaaz gathered at her residence, joined by grieving parents whose children were killed during earlier demonstrations. Chanting “Sushila Karki Murdabad” (Down with Sushila Karki), protesters accused her of betraying the principles of the uprising that forced the exit of KP Sharma Oli.

Cabinet Expansion Sparks Anger

At the heart of the protests was Karki’s first cabinet expansion. Demonstrators claimed her appointments favoured traditional political figures rather than youth leaders tied to the movement. On September 15, three interim ministers were sworn in:

• Kulman Ghising – Energy and Physical Infrastructure Minister

• Om Prakash Aryal – Home and Law Minister

• Rameshwar Khanal – Finance Minister

Protest leader Gurung was particularly critical of Aryal’s appointment, alleging he had no role in the uprising and was instead chosen due to his ties with Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, seen as a future election contender.

The Larger Backdrop of Unrest

The protests come against a backdrop of deep political turmoil. What began as a youth-led revolt over a social media ban quickly spiraled into violence, leaving 72 dead and 191 injured. Public buildings, including Parliament, were torched, forcing President Ram Chandra Paudel to sack PM Oli and dissolve the House of Representatives. In a surprise twist, Gen Z activists used online platforms like Discord polls to select the 73-year-old Karki—celebrated for her anti-corruption stance—as interim leader until elections in March 2026.

Mounting Pressure on Karki’s Government

Karki’s interim cabinet now faces the daunting task of fulfilling promises of transparency and justice, including accountability for violence during the protests. However, Gen Z activists demand a bigger role in decision-making, underscoring a deeper generational divide. While the youth movement proved powerful enough to topple a regime, sustaining reforms amid Nepal’s long history of political instability remains an immense challenge.

The Road Ahead

With elections just six months away, Karki’s government is under immense strain to restore order, rebuild trust, and balance competing demands. International observers and Nepal’s army will be watching closely as the interim administration struggles to stabilise the country before handing over power in 2026.