Nepal has appointed Sushila Karki, the country’s former Supreme Court Chief Justice, as its first female Prime Minister. Her appointment comes after days of anti-corruption protests that turned violent, forcing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign.
Historic Appointment Amid Political Crisis
The 73-year-old Karki was sworn in during a short ceremony in Kathmandu after an agreement between President Ram Chandra Poudel and protest leaders. She becomes the first woman to lead the Himalayan nation in its history.
More than 50 people lost their lives during the unrest, which was initially triggered by a government ban on social media platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. The ban was lifted, but protests had already spread nationwide.
Protests Force Government Collapse
Angry demonstrators stormed parliament and government buildings, setting fire to parts of Singha Durbar palace in Kathmandu. With mass unrest gripping the capital, PM Oli resigned earlier this week, and parliament was officially dissolved.
General elections have now been scheduled for 5 March next year.
Sushila Karki’s Clean Image
Karki, known for her clean image and strong judicial background, is seen as a compromise candidate acceptable to both the government and the Gen Z protest movement. She is expected to announce her cabinet in the coming days.
Student leaders from the Gen Z movement, who played a key role in organizing protests, have welcomed her appointment, calling it a step towards political reform.
Challenges Ahead for New Leadership
Karki’s interim government faces several urgent challenges:
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Restoring law and order across the country.
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Rebuilding parliament and key government offices damaged in protests.
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Addressing the demands of Gen Z activists calling for reforms.
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Ensuring justice for victims of police violence.
Background and Career
Born into a family connected to the Koirala political dynasty, Karki later married Durga Subedi, a senior Nepali Congress leader. With his support, she rose from lawyer to become Nepal’s Chief Justice in 2016, though her tenure faced controversy including an impeachment attempt.
Despite political hurdles, her appointment as Nepal’s first female Prime Minister is being hailed as a turning point for the nation’s young democracy.
