Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki sworn in as Nepal’s first woman interim Prime Minister after weeks of Gen Z-led protests against corruption, stagnation, and the ban on social media. Backed by protesters and political forces alike, Karki will lead a six-month transitional government before fresh elections in March 2026.
Sushila Karki. Image/File pic
Days after the protest broke out in Nepal, the country is set to have a new prime minister on September 14. The newly appointed interim Prime Minister of Nepal, Sushila Karki, is set to formally assume charge of office on Sunday. As reported by news agency ANI, Sushila Singh Karki is also likely to announce the expansion of her cabinet the same day, sources related to this development said.
Earlier on Friday, the 73-year-old former Chief Justice of Nepal was sworn in as the interim Prime Minister. The formation of the new government happened because of the widespread Nepal Gen Z protest, due to frustration over political stagnation, corruption, and economic disparity, triggered by the ban of social media platforms in the country.
Sushila Karki’s appointment as the interim PM came after the protesters collectively endorsed her name as their nominee for the interim position. The protesters, while demanding her as the PM candidate, cited her integrity and independence, following the resignation of the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli after the widespread protests.
As reported by news agency ANI, Sushila Karki's selection marks a rare moment of consensus in Nepali politics. Chosen through a public vote held by Gen Z leaders on the online platform Discord, the former Chief Justice emerged as the most popular and acceptable figure. Sources say that she is not only among the youth movement but also among traditional political forces seeking stability and credibility in a time of upheaval.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Karki for taking over as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal.
While posting on social media platform X, PM Modi said, "Heartfelt congratulations to the Honourable Sushila Karki Ji on assuming the office of Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government. India is fully committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nepal's brothers and sisters."
On Friday, Nepal's Parliament was formally dissolved, and fresh elections were scheduled for March 5, 2026, hours after former Karki was sworn in as the country's new interim PM.
Announcing the decision, the President's Office said the dissolution was approved in the first cabinet meeting convened by Karki at 11 pm (local time), marking the start of a six-month transitional government tasked with steering the country to the polls, reported ANI.
Sushila Karki, who took oath earlier in the day at Sheetal Niwas, the presidential residence in Kathmandu, became the first woman to hold the post of Prime Minister in Nepal.
The President's Office said the new cabinet has been mandated to restore order and prepare the ground for elections to the Federal Parliament on March 5 next year.
(With inputs from ANI)
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