Nepal Gen Z Protests 2025 – Sushila Karki Appointed Interim PM After Social Media Uprising

🌟 Introduction – Nepal at a Turning Point

Nepal Gen Z Protests 2025: Nepal has entered one of the most dramatic chapters in its recent history. What started as a youth-led protest against a social media ban quickly turned into a nationwide uprising against corruption, nepotism, and political stagnation.

The protests, led largely by Gen Z activists, force

d the government to step down. In a historic move, Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, has now been appointed as the first woman interim Prime Minister of the country.

This blog explores:

🔹 Why Gen Z took to the streets
🔹 How the protests escalated into violence
🔹 The political transition leading to Sushila Karki’s appointment
🔹 What this means for Nepal’s future

🔥 What Triggered the Protests?

The protests began in early September 2025 after the Nepalese government announced a ban on major social media platforms like Facebook, X (Twitter), and YouTube.

For a country where the youth rely on digital platforms for education, jobs, activism, and communication, this was seen as an attack on free speech.

But the social media ban was only the tipping point. The deeper anger came from years of:

✔️ Corruption at every level of government
✔️ Nepotism in job allocations and politics
✔️ Limited economic opportunities for young graduates
✔️ Frustration with political elites who failed to deliver reforms

Soon, what began as a digital rights protest turned into a national movement demanding accountability.

⚠️ The Escalation – From Slogans to Violence

Peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated into violent confrontations.

Police Response: Security forces used tear gas, batons, water cannons, and even live bullets against crowds.
Casualties: At least 51 people lost their lives, including students, protesters, bystanders, and even policemen.
Injuries: More than 1,300 people injured during the clashes.
Property Damage: Protesters set fire to key government buildings like Singha Durbar, Parliament House, and Supreme Court offices.
Curfew: The government imposed a nationwide curfew and temporarily shut down airports, markets, and schools.

Public anger was so intense that many ruling party offices were ransacked.

👩 Sushila Karki – Nepal’s First Woman Interim Prime Minister

Amid the chaos, Nepal faced a political vacuum.

On September 12, 2025, President Ram Chandra Paudel dissolved Parliament.
After negotiations between protesters, the Army, and political leaders, Sushila Karki was sworn in as interim Prime Minister.

🌟 Who is Sushila Karki?

Former Chief Justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court (2016–2017).
Known for her anti-corruption judgments and fearless personality.
The first woman Chief Justice and now the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal.
Widely respected for her independence and integrity.

Karki’s appointment is seen as a compromise candidate—someone neutral, respected, and capable of restoring trust.

🧭 Roadmap for Nepal’s Future

The interim government under Sushila Karki has announced a three-point roadmap:

1. Accountability and Investigations

A commission will investigate corruption charges against the former government.
Independent inquiry into police brutality and deaths during protests.

2. Restoring Democracy and Rights

Immediate lifting of social media bans.
Promises to safeguard digital freedom and freedom of speech.

3. Elections in March 2026

Interim government will prepare the country for free and fair elections within six months.

📊 Impact on Economy and Society

The protests and tariffs have shaken Nepal’s fragile economy.

Tourism Hit: Travel warnings from India, China, and Western countries have reduced tourist arrivals.
Trade Disruption: Border towns like Birgunj faced closures, slowing cargo movement.
Job Uncertainty: Factories and businesses shut down temporarily, affecting daily-wage workers.
Social Awareness: Despite hardships, the movement has created a new political awakening among young Nepalese.

🌍 Why the World is Watching

Nepal’s uprising has drawn global attention for several reasons:

Youth Power: Gen Z movements are reshaping politics across the globe. Nepal is the latest example.
South Asian Stability: A politically unstable Nepal could impact India, China, and the wider region.
Digital Rights Movement: The protests highlight the growing importance of free internet access in modern democracies.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Why did Gen Z protests start in Nepal?
👉 They began after the social media ban, but deeper frustration with corruption, nepotism, and unemployment fueled the movement.

Q2. Who is Sushila Karki?
👉 Nepal’s first woman interim Prime Minister, previously the Chief Justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court. Known for anti-corruption rulings.

Q3. How many people were killed in the protests?
👉 At least 51 people lost their lives, with more than 1,300 injured.

Q4. What happens next?
👉 Nepal will be governed by an interim cabinet under Karki, with elections expected in March 2026.

Q5. Will social media remain banned?
👉 No. The interim government has already lifted restrictions, restoring digital platforms.

💡 Final Thoughts

Nepal’s Gen Z protests prove one powerful lesson: youth voices can no longer be ignored.

From fighting for free internet to demanding clean governance, Nepalese youth have shown courage in the face of violence. With Sushila Karki at the helm, the nation stands at a crossroads—between chaos and reform, between old politics and new possibilities.

The coming months will decide whether Nepal can turn its crisis into an opportunity for lasting change