Kathmandu: In a strong message of humility and accountability, Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Sunday made it clear that her administration is in office not to “taste power”, but to stabilise the country, deliver justice, and prepare for elections within six months.

“I and my team are not here to taste the power. We won't stay for more than six months. We will hand over the responsibility to the new parliament. We won't succeed without your support,” Karki told reporters during a press conference at Singha Durbar, shortly after formally assuming office.

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Her remarks come amid a period of intense national upheaval following the September 8 protest movement, which saw tens of thousands—primarily Gen Z youth—take to the streets demanding economic reform, transparency, and an end to corruption. The movement was triggered by a controversial ban on social media and long-standing frustrations with political inaction.

Karki’s appointment, following the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, came after protest leaders publicly endorsed her as their nominee for interim leader, citing her integrity and independence. While her swearing-in on Friday marked a historic milestone as Nepal’s first female prime minister, Karki placed little focus on her personal achievement, instead directing national attention toward healing and rebuilding.

She announced that those killed during the protests would be officially recognised as martyrs, and their families compensated.

“27 hours of movement is first in Nepal. They are demanding economic equality and the eradication of corruption. All the deceased of September 8 are announced martyrs and will be given one million each. Expenses of the injured will be borne by the government, and they will also be compensated,” she said.

According to The Himalayan Times, at least 72 people lost their lives in the unrest — including 59 demonstrators, 10 prison inmates, and three police officers. Karki assured the public that the government would facilitate the transfer of the deceased to their home districts and support families affected by the violence.

"Transfer of the bodies from Kathmandu to other districts will be facilitated by the government... Personal properties were also burnt down; we will not leave them, the government will work on measures to give them some compensation. It can be through soft loans or any other measures... Those involved in the incident of vandalism will be investigated," she added.

In addition to justice and support for victims, Karki underscored her administration’s focus on reconstruction and economic recovery.

"We are in an economic crisis. We should discuss and work on the reconstruction," she said.

Karki, aged 73 and a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, is widely regarded for her principled stance on legal independence and anti-corruption. Her leadership of the interim government reflects a dramatic shift in Nepal’s political landscape, brought about by a youth-led uprising demanding systemic reform.

ANI