Nepal’s new prime minister took office Sunday and “urged calm and cooperation to rebuild” the Himalayan nation after days of violent protests last week left at least 72 people dead and destroyed government buildings and politicians’ homes.
“We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation. ... What this group is demanding is end of corruption, good governance and economic equality,” said Sushila Karki, the 73-year-old former chief justice, in her first public comments since taking office on Friday. “You and I have to be determined to fulfil that.”
The massive demonstrations — called the protest of Gen Z — began on September 8 over a short-lived social media ban. Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets, particularly young people, angry about widespread corruption and poverty, while the children of political leaders, known as “nepo kids” seemed to enjoy luxurious lifestyles.
The protests soon turned violent, with protesters attacking the parliament building and police opening fire, and led to the resignation of prime minister Khadga Prasad Oli, who fled his official residence.
Read moreNepal deploys army as protesters look for interim leader
Karki told top officials that each family of slain protesters will receive monetary compensation of 1 million rupees (about $ 11,330) and that those that have been injured will be taken care of.
“We all need to get together to rebuild the country,” she said according to state TV.
The actual office of the prime minister — an old white-colored palace converted to an office — was burnt down along with the offices of the president, the supreme court, key government ministries and several police stations on September 9, a day after police shot at protesters. The businesses and houses of key families were also attacked, including several stores of a popular supermarket chain in Nepal.
Calm was restored after the army took control of the streets that night, and negotiations between protesters, the army and the president began over an interim government.
Karki was named the new prime minister on September 12. She was a popular figure while serving as the court’s only female chief justice in 2016 and 2017, and was known for her stance against corruption in the government.
Fresh parliamentary elections have been set for March 5.
(FRANCE 24 with AP and AFP)
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