Kathmandu: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has issued a stern warning that bribery, party-based levies, and commission networks will no longer be tolerated in Nepal. She emphasized that looting in the name of democracy will not be acceptable under any circumstance.

‘Looting in the Name of Democracy Not Acceptable’

Addressing the National Macroeconomic Debate 2.0 organized by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) in Kathmandu, Prime Minister Karki said that honest entrepreneurs will no longer be harassed, and those engaging in policy manipulation will not be encouraged.

“The network of bribery, party-based levies, and commission systems is intolerable. Looting in the name of democracy is not acceptable to us,” she stated, referring to the Gen-G movement of Bhadra, which, she said, had drawn a clear line on what is and isn’t acceptable in Nepal’s governance.

Government to Restore Confidence of Private Sector

Prime Minister Karki described the damage caused to the industrial and commercial sectors by unruly groups taking advantage of political instability as “unacceptable.” She pledged that the government would provide immediate relief and support to affected entrepreneurs and work to restore confidence in the private sector, similar to the support extended to youth injured during the Gen-G movement.

“The protests of Bhadra 23 and 24 have given Nepal a new mandate,” she said. “The general youth and Nepalis have no choice but to take the country forward—status quo is no longer an option.”

‘Good Governance Is Key to Economic Growth’

Stressing that good governance is a prerequisite for social justice and economic growth, Prime Minister Karki said the government is committed to establishing the rule of law and ensuring security.

“We are aware of the looting of state property under political cover and the exploitative system imposed on the private sector,” she said. “The government is leaving no stone unturned to guarantee security and to build an environment of trust.”

‘Economy Cannot Rise Without Industry and Business’

Highlighting the private sector’s vital contribution to national development, Prime Minister Karki said that industrialists and entrepreneurs are key partners of the state, as they provide employment and social security to large sections of the population.

“A country cannot be built without industry and business,” she said. “The economy cannot rise until the morale of industrialists rises.”