Kathmandu Burns: Protesters Torch Palace, Nepal Faces Power Vacuum

Nepal was plunged into unprecedented political turmoil on Tuesday as both Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and President Ram Chandra Paudel stepped down following days of violent anti-corruption protests sparked by a social media ban.Oli tendered his resignation after 19 people were killed and more than 100 injured in clashes with police, who fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators attempting to storm parliament. Hours later, President Paudel also resigned after furious protesters stormed and set fire to the presidential residence, looting valuables in the process.The wave of unrest—described as the worst in decades—was driven largely by young Nepalis frustrated by corruption, unemployment, and restrictions on free expression. Protesters later vandalized Oli’s private home as political chaos deepened in the Himalayan nation.An aide to Paudel said the president had earlier initiated talks with protest leaders and the process of appointing a new premier. But his abrupt resignation has now ...

• 09 Sep 2025