Prime Minister vows to restore broken institutions

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 3: Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Monday described the Gen Z youth-led movement as a historic turning point for Nepal, acknowledging serious failures in governance, corruption control and political conduct, while reaffirming her government’s commitment to holding free, fair and credible elections on March 5.

Addressing the National Assembly during deliberations on the ethics policy report, Karki said she had assumed office under extraordinary circumstances following the protests of September 8 and 9, and felt a profound responsibility to guide the country back to constitutional order.

“As the Prime Minister of an interim government formed on the basis of the Gen Z movement, I have taken this responsibility not with ambition, but to restore broken institutions and prevent the nation from sliding into deeper crisis,” she said.

The Prime Minister congratulated newly elected National Assembly members and extended best wishes to those completing their terms. She also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the movement, expressing condolences to bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

“I express my highest respect to the martyrs of the Gen Z movement and share deep sorrow with their families for an irreparable loss,” said Prime Minister Karki.

Recalling the early days of her tenure, she said that on September 12 she had recommended the dissolution of the House of Representatives and fresh elections to normalise the situation, prevent further violence and return the state to constitutional governance. She informed the Assembly that elections would be held on schedule.

“This government is eager to hand over power to an elected administration through a free, fair and credible election,” she said.

“This uprising is a mirror reflecting our own governance errors and behavioural weaknesses,” she added, noting that young Nepalis now expect equal access to opportunities, employment and a dignified quality of life at home.

She stressed that such aspirations were essential for Nepal’s economic transformation and said it was long overdue for the executive, legislature and judiciary to take responsibility for addressing them.

The Prime Minister said the government had officially declared those killed in the movement as martyrs, provided relief to their families and prioritised treatment and livelihoods for the injured. She said a historic agreement had been reached with protest leaders to redirect the country’s political course.

On corruption control, Karki said the government was committed to transparency and accountability and revealed that preparations for a technology-driven Governance Blueprint were in their final stage.

“We are laying the foundations for both immediate results and long-term reform,” she said.

Providing an update on election preparations, she said candidate nominations had been completed, most looted weapons recovered and integrated election security fully implemented. The participation of parties and public enthusiasm, she added, reflected renewed faith in democracy.

“This election should not be seen as routine, but as the starting point of a new political culture,” she said. PM Karki urged all parties to strictly adhere to the election code of conduct.

Turning to ethics, Karki warned that morality could not be enforced through documents alone. “Ethics is not maintained by fine words in speeches or policies, it must be demonstrated in our conduct as public officials,” she said.

She said her government had prioritised frugality, avoided unnecessary privileges and allowed regulatory bodies to function without political pressure, adding that visible results had already begun to emerge.

Prime Minister Karki said her short tenure had focused on rebuilding broken institutions and restoring hope. “No one should be compelled to take to the streets again for good governance,” she said. She called for unwavering commitment to the rule of law and collective action against corruption, impunity and injustice.