President Poudel On Nepal’s Interim Govt: “Consensus Was Only Way Forward”

Nepal President Ram Chandra Poudel has called for continued support from friendly nations as the country navigates its current challenges, emphasizing that the interim government, formed for six months, was established by consensus. "There was no alternative but to constitute a council of ministers from the existing House of Representatives," Poudel said. He urged citizens and political stakeholders to heed the call of Gen Z protesters to end corruption and implement meaningful reforms.

Recent student-led protests left 72 people dead, ultimately leading to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation and the dissolution of Parliament. In an unprecedented move, the younger generation selected Sushila Karki, Nepal's first woman chief justice, as interim Prime Minister, reflecting widespread public anger and a demand for generational change.

Addressing the nation on Constitution Day, Poudel said Nepal has embarked on a new path with renewed dreams. "I firmly believe that the new people's mandate will further institutionalize democracy and guide the future course of the country," he stated.

He added that the interim government aims to reconstruct national losses, complete elections within six months, and transfer power to the people's representatives. "This is now the main responsibility of all Nepalese. Let us all understand that this step was taken by consensus, as there was no other way to form a council of ministers from the existing House of Representatives," Poudel said. He called on political parties, administrative bodies, think tanks, and citizens to ensure the success of the upcoming elections through coordination and cooperation, without prejudice or conflict.

Poudel emphasized that a fair and prosperous Nepal, as envisioned by the Constitution, is achievable only through good governance, ending malpractices, creating jobs, ensuring environmental sustainability, and promoting social justice.

He reflected on the circumstances that placed him in a position to manage the political vacuum, stating, "With everyone's understanding, coordination, and cooperation, we have been able to handle this challenging situation. Together, we acted in accordance with the spirit of democracy, the Constitution, the new generation's call for change, and the people's aspirations."

Marking the 10th Constitution Day, Poudel offered condolences to those who died in past democratic struggles and the youth-led demonstrations of September 8 and 9. The interim government has recognized 59 students and other civilians who perished during the protests as martyrs.

Expressing sorrow over the loss of life, property, businesses, and heritage, Poudel said, "As a guardian of children, I feel the pain of parents who lost their young ones, and as a guardian of the nation, I feel the country's loss of its talented youth."

He acknowledged the aspirations of protesters, noting that their demand for stability and a better future reflects the true spirit of democracy. Drawing parallels to his own political journey that began at age 17 in 1960, Poudel emphasized that collective understanding and cooperation have allowed the political vacuum post-September 9 to be managed in line with democratic principles.

Looking ahead, Poudel stated that the country's roadmap rests on good governance, ending malpractices, creating employment opportunities, ensuring environmental sustainability, and delivering social justice.