Nepal President Appeals for Peace Amid Political Turmoil

Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel addressed the nation on Thursday, September 11, 2025, calling for peace and cooperation to resolve the ongoing political crisis that has plunged the country into turmoil. Speaking for the first time since violent protests led by Gen Z activists set his office and private residence ablaze on Tuesday, Paudel, now under military protection, emphasized his commitment to finding a constitutional solution while urging all stakeholders to help restore law and order.

“I am making every effort to protect democracy and find a way out from the present political impasse within the constitutional framework,” Paudel declared, appealing to all parties to trust his initiatives and exercise restraint. The president’s remarks come in the wake of unprecedented unrest, triggered by the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday following massive student-led demonstrations against corruption and a social media ban. The protests, which turned deadly with at least 22 reported deaths, have left Nepal’s political landscape in disarray, with the Nepal Army stepping in to maintain order.

Paudel’s call for calm follows his meeting with Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel and representatives of the protesting Gen Z group at the army headquarters in Bhadrakali. The discussions focused on selecting an interim leader to replace Oli and steer the country toward stability. Sources indicate that former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, former Nepal Electricity Authority CEO Kulman Ghising, and Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang are among the candidates under consideration to lead the interim government. This interim administration is expected to organize fresh elections within a specified timeframe, offering a path out of the current stalemate.

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An Army spokesperson confirmed ongoing talks with various stakeholders, emphasizing efforts to address the crisis while maintaining law and order. “We are holding rounds of talks with different stakeholders, focused on finding a way out and ensuring stability,” the spokesperson said, declining to name specific candidates. A similar meeting on Wednesday yielded no concrete outcomes, underscoring the complexity of the situation as Nepal grapples with public anger over corruption, nepotism, and governance failures.

The president’s absence from public view since Tuesday’s violent attacks on government buildings, including the parliament and his own residence, had fueled speculation and concern. His appeal for patience and cooperation reflects the gravity of the crisis, with the Nepal Army now tasked with controlling a volatile situation marked by curfew violations and widespread vandalism. Paudel’s assurance of working within constitutional bounds aims to rebuild trust, but the path to stability remains uncertain as the nation awaits the appointment of an interim leader to navigate this unprecedented political storm.

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