KATHMANDU, Sept 19: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9 reflected the aspirations of the younger generation, growing political awareness and public discontent over corruption.
Speaking at the main Constitution Day and National Day 2082 BS program at Tundikhel, she said the movement also stemmed from shortcomings in governance, development and unmet public expectations. “I have always viewed this movement in relation to the health of our democratic system, which listens, engages in dialogue and seeks solutions,” she said.
The PM noted that the movement highlighted the state’s failure to fully uphold democratic values, including civil liberties, press freedom, independent judiciary, and good governance. She emphasized that youth concerns—employment, quality of life, transparency, legal equality, and development—are shared across generations and form a national agenda, which the government is committed to addressing.
Reforming Anti-Corruption Legislations
She added that the country faces challenges in rebuilding infrastructure damaged during the protests and recovering business losses, stressing the need to support the private sector and ensure timely elections. She called on youth, political parties, civil servants, the private sector, development partners, and citizens to participate in reconstruction efforts.
Highlighting Constitution Day as both a celebration and a time to evaluate progress, PM Karki noted the need to review achievements, shortcomings, and the way forward over the past decade of constitutional implementation. She clarified that she assumed the role of interim Prime Minister to manage the transition and ensure a democratically elected government takes office within six months, responding to youth demands.
She paid tribute to all martyrs of past movements and the Gen-Z protests, expressed condolences to their families, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, while expressing regret over the extensive damage to public and private property.
The ceremony was attended by President Ramchandra Paudel, Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, Speaker Devaraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, constitutional body heads, senior officials, security chiefs and foreign dignitaries.
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