The Gen Z protests in Kathmandu on 8 and 9 September wiped out the KP Sharma Oli-led government in just 27 hours, and left more than 70 dead and hundreds injured. The government came under massive pressure from both the protests and from political opposition parties, resulting in a political vacuum in the country.

After Oli resigned, the Nepali army took the responsibility of maintaining law and order in the country. The army decided to impose a curfew in the capital and surrounding areas to control the situation. Gen Z representatives engaged in discussion with the president and the army for three days on the next steps. The social media ban that had kickstarted the uprising was instantly removed.

Eventually, on 12 September, parliament was dissolved and an interim government was formed. Sushila Karki was sworn in as interim prime minister. A trailblazing jurist and politician, who was appointed Nepal’s first female chief justice in 2016, the 73-year-old is now Nepal’s first female prime minister. The caretaker government will serve until fresh elections, which are scheduled for 5 March 2026.

The new cabinet has eight members, with some in charge of more than one ministry. For example, Kulman Ghisinh is in charge of three ministries (energy, water resources and irrigation; physical infrastructure and transport; and urban development). Om Prakash Aryal has two ministries (industry; law, justice and parliamentary affairs). Rameshwor Prasad Kanal remains as finance minister and is also in charge of federal affairs. Karki also appointed four new ministers.

The huge political instability in the country has negatively impacted business activity, growth and investor confidence. Rating agencies are warning about the risk to Nepal’s economic outlook.

Harbingers’ asked several young people about their thoughts after the protests. Renu Sunam, 18, said that in her opinion the new government is no better than the old government. She said: “Prime Minister Oli or Sushila Karkai – I can’t trust either of them. The public should be aware that both of them are the same.”

Sunil Newar, 26, wants transparency and accountability. “We saw enough corruption and scandals. If the new government is serious, they must clearly show how they spend public money and punish those who abuse power.”

He wants policies that encourage businesses to hire youth, including skills training programmes. The government should also invest in infrastructure – roads, internet, reliable electricity – and more remote areas.

The interim government has promised compensation and healthcare to families of those killed and free medical care for the injured. The youth killed in the protest were also declared martyrs by the new government.

Many youth groups and organisations, including social media influencers, have been active in providing support to the victims’ families and injured people. They also helped to clean the roads after the protests were over. The government and many Nepalese working overseas are sending money for rebuilding. Many historical buildings, such as Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court and the Parliament building, were severely damaged in the protests.