- Sushila Karki has been sworn in as Nepal’s interim prime minister following deadly anti-corruption protests.
- Her appointment was backed by Gen Z protest leaders demanding reform, transparency, and economic justice.
- The protests, triggered by a social media ban, left 72 people dead and led to the collapse of the previous government.
- Karki, a former chief justice, has pledged to serve for no more than six months and oversee elections scheduled for March 2026.
- Her administration faces the task of restoring order, rebuilding damaged institutions, and responding to youth demands for systemic change.
Nepal has entered a new political chapter with the appointment of Sushila Karki as interim prime minister, following a wave of youth-led protests that toppled the previous government. The demonstrations, driven by frustration over corruption and inequality, erupted after a controversial ban on social media platforms and quickly escalated into nationwide unrest.
Over the course of two days, the protests turned violent, with government buildings torched, politicians’ homes vandalized, and clashes leaving 72 people dead, including police officers. The scale of destruction shocked the nation and forced the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Karki, a former chief justice known for her integrity and independence, was chosen by protest leaders to lead a transitional government. Her appointment marks a historic moment as Nepal’s first female prime minister, but she has made it clear that her role is temporary. Elections are scheduled for March 2026, and she has pledged to hand over power once a new government is formed.
Her administration now faces a daunting set of challenges: restoring law and order, rebuilding parliament and other key institutions, and responding to the demands of Gen Z activists who are calling for an end to corruption, better governance, and economic equality.
While Karki’s reputation offers hope for reform, her past tenure as chief justice was not without controversy, including an impeachment attempt. Still, many see her as a stabilizing figure in a moment of national crisis.
The coming months will test Nepal’s ability to recover from political upheaval and chart a new course shaped by youth activism and public accountability.
