Ruling coalition issues joint statement; dubs 100-day period ‘satisfactory’

KATHMANDU: The ruling parties have issued a joint statement following a meeting held at the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar on Friday.

The statement addresses the government's first 100 days, current issues, and upcoming plans.

The current government operates with the support and participation of various parties, including Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Janata amajwadi Party (JSP), Janamat, JSP Nepal, Loktantrik Samajwadi Party, and Nagarik Unmukti Party, based on a seven-point agreement between Nepali Congress and CPN-UML.

When the government was formed under the leadership of CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, the country faced an extreme economic crisis, with declining morale among industrialists and business owners.

The statement said that a significant number of young people sought employment and educational opportunities abroad due to budget constraints that hindered the state's ability to fund development and construction projects.

In response, the current government was established with a commitment to advancing good governance, development, and prosperity, aiming to create a foundation for political stability through constitutional, legal, and structural reforms while strengthening the nation’s democratic future. The government has now completed its first 100 days in office.

The policies, programs, and budget of the current administration were passed under the previous government.

Nevertheless, the current government has taken crucial steps to pull the country out of the economic crisis and promote good governance and development through political and administrative initiatives, according to the statement.

“To address the ongoing challenges facing the country, we present the following common vision to enhance the effectiveness of the current government, which is dedicated to strengthening the democratic future of our nation,” the statement said.

The parties said that “on the occasion of the completion of 100 days” of the joint government, Prime Minister Oli has made public the progress of the work accomplished by the government.

“We commend the positive contributions made by our partner parties. Furthermore, we express our commitment to effectively implement the work plan established by the government for the remainder of its term,” the statement said.

Staitng that it is regrettable that the process of transitional justice remains incomplete, even after such an extended period since the peace process began, the parties said, “However, since the current government was formed, we have resolved the legal complexities surrounding transitional justice through a consensual approach.”

With the completion of legal arrangements, the process of forming both commissions has commenced, ensuring that victims affected by the conflict receive justice, the statement said.

“We anticipate the cooperation of all parties in effectively advancing the work of transitional justice in the coming days,” it added.

Since the establishment of the current government, significant efforts have been made to foster a favorable investment environment through legal reforms, the parties said.

The private sector has become optimistic regarding the economic reform process, the statement said adding that positive signs have emerged in the economy, marked by the settlement of arrears, an increase in capital expenditure, and improved revenue growth.

“Recognizing the need for further reforms to bolster the nation's economy, we have initiated the formation of an economic reform task force,” it added.

The statement further said, “Based on the unanimous report prepared by the Parliamentary Inquiry Special Committee of 2081, the processes of investigation and action have begun.”

Ensuring that the innocent are not wrongfully accused while the guilty are held accountable requires positive cooperation from all parties throughout the investigation, prosecution, and justice processes.

However, recent activities aimed at influencing these processes, such as gathering crowds to exert pressure on the courts, are detrimental to democracy and the rule of law.

“We strongly oppose such actions. The government will implement all recommendations and directives from the parliamentary investigation committee regarding cooperatives,” it added.

The statement added that attention must be given to the challenges in implementing federalism and governance reforms, which have been hindered by delays in lawmaking.

“To reach consensus on the proposed legislation, the government will prioritize expediting the creation of essential laws, such as civil law, education law, and police law,” the statement said.

In the coming days, the government will intensify its efforts to strengthen the democratic republic, federalism, secularism, and proportional inclusion, it added.

“This will be based on the seven-point agreement and a minimum common agreement, which aim to advance the reform process while addressing the legal complications arising from the pursuit of development and good governance,” the parties said.

According to the ruling coalition, this year's floods, landslides, and inundations have resulted in significant losses. Many roads connecting the federal capital have been blocked due to these disasters.

The obstruction of rural roads in affected areas has naturally impeded relief and rescue efforts. Despite these challenges, the support from security agencies, the administration, and civil society has been crucial for rescue operations and reopening blocked roads.

“We extend our gratitude to all those involved in these efforts. We urge all relevant agencies to carry out effective relief and reconstruction work for the affected populations who are awaiting rehabilitation due to earthquakes, floods, landslides, and inundations,” it added.