Kathmandu, September 16, 2025 – In a dramatic turn of events, Nepal's interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, the country's first female leader, is facing renewed protests from the very Gen Z activists who played a pivotal role in her appointment. The group, known as Hami Nepal, has escalated their demands, calling for the inclusion of family members of the 72 protesters killed during recent anti-corruption demonstrations in the cabinet, alongside proposals for portraits at the international airport and statues in Parliament. The unrest follows Karki's recent cabinet reshuffle, which saw the appointment of reformist figures such as Kulman Ghising as energy minister, Rameshwor Khanal as finance minister, and Om Prakash Aryal as home minister. These appointments were intended to signal a commitment to anti-corruption reforms and prepare the nation for the March 2026 elections. However, the lack of consultation with Hami Nepal has ignited a fresh wave of discontent. Hami Nepal's demands, articulated through social media and public demonstrations, include securing 3-4 cabinet positions for relatives of the deceased, a move that has sparked debate over its alignment with the group's initial call for merit-based governance and an end to nepotism. Critics argue that such demands contradict the very principles that fueled the protests, which began as a response to widespread corruption and a ban on social media platforms. The situation has been further complicated by the involvement of figures like Sudan Gurung, a prominent activist whose shifting stance has drawn both support and criticism. Gurung and other leaders have led marches demanding Karki's resignation, accusing her of politicizing the sacrifices made during the protests. Political analysts are divided on the reasonableness of Hami Nepal's demands. Some view them as a natural extension of grief and a call for recognition, while others see them as an overreach that could undermine the interim government's stability. "While the loss of life is tragic, filling cabinet seats with family members does not address the systemic issues that led to the protests," said political commentator Anurag Sharma. "It risks perpetuating the very dynamics of patronage that the movement sought to dismantle." Karki, who was appointed following a deal brokered by Nepal's army chief after the ousting of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, has yet to respond directly to the demands. Her administration is already grappling with the task of restoring law and order, rebuilding damaged infrastructure, and addressing the broader calls for good governance and economic equality. The protests have reignited discussions about the role of youth in Nepali politics, with many noting the unprecedented scale of Gen Z's involvement. However, the current demands have also raised concerns about the potential hijacking of the movement by opportunistic elements, as some activists distance themselves from the more radical calls. As Nepal navigates this critical juncture, the international community watches closely, with hopes that the interim government can balance the need for reform with the demands of a restless youth population. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Karki can steer the nation towards stability or if the protests will escalate further, threatening the fragile democratic process.
