Nepal has appointed its first-ever female prime minister, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, following a wave of deadly anti-government protests that forced the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The 73-year-old Karki was sworn in as interim leader after a historic agreement between the presidency and protest leaders, marking a turning point in the Himalayan nation’s turbulent political landscape.
The unrest was triggered by the government’s controversial ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Although the ban was reversed within days, it sparked mass demonstrations that rapidly escalated. Over 50 people were killed in clashes with riot police, and the violence culminated in protesters storming and setting fire to the Singha Durbar — Nepal’s main government complex in Kathmandu.
In response to public outrage and under pressure from the growing “Gen Z” protest movement, President Ram Chandra Poudel dissolved parliament and announced fresh general elections for March 5, 2026. Karki’s appointment was facilitated by high-level negotiations, including mediation by Nepal’s army chief, as the country grappled with its most severe unrest in decades.
Karki, known for her clean image and judicial integrity, is expected to appoint her interim cabinet in the coming days. Her administration faces immediate challenges: restoring public order, rebuilding destroyed institutions, addressing youth demands for political reform, and ensuring justice for those killed and injured during the protests.
Despite her credentials, Karki’s political journey has not been without controversy. Her tenure as chief justice in 2016 was marred by an impeachment attempt, though she survived it and earned respect for standing firm against corruption. Her rise also reflects a broader public disillusionment with Nepal’s traditional political elites, particularly following the rise of the “nepo kid” movement, which highlighted political nepotism and corruption.
On Tuesday, Karki visited the protest site where 19 demonstrators lost their lives and met with survivors in hospital — a gesture seen as symbolic of her intent to lead with empathy and reform.
As army patrols continue in Kathmandu, many young Nepalese see Karki’s leadership as a new chapter — one that could redefine the country’s fragile democracy and meet the rising expectations of its digitally empowered youth.
