Nepal Swears In Interim Ministers After Deadly Gen Z Protests

Nepal has sworn in new interim ministers as part of efforts to restore stability following deadly youth-led protests that forced out the previous government.

President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office to three key ministers on Monday in a televised ceremony held outside the fire-damaged presidential office in Kathmandu. The swearing-in marks the first major step by newly appointed interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who has pledged to meet protesters’ demands for an end to corruption and better governance.

The protests, led largely by “Gen Z” youth, erupted on September 8 after a controversial social media ban and quickly escalated into widespread unrest. Parliament and several government buildings were set ablaze during the demonstrations, which exposed deep frustration over economic hardship and political corruption.

According to government figures, at least 72 people were killed in just two days of clashes, while 191 remain hospitalised. Authorities described the unrest as the worst since the abolition of Nepal’s monarchy in 2008.

Key Interim Ministers Appointed

Om Prakash Aryal, an anti-corruption advocate, was named Home Minister, as well as Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

Kulman Ghising, credited with ending Nepal’s chronic electricity shortages, will oversee the ministries of Energy, Infrastructure, Transport and Urban Development.

Rameshwor Khanal, a respected economist and former finance secretary, was appointed Finance Minister to tackle soaring unemployment and economic stagnation.

A fifth of Nepal’s youth aged 15 to 24 are unemployed, according to World Bank data, with GDP per capita at just $1,447. Addressing these economic challenges will be a top priority for the interim cabinet as the country heads toward elections scheduled for March 2026.

Prime Minister Karki, a 73-year-old former chief justice, said her government would focus on restoring public trust and laying the groundwork for long-term reforms.