12/09/2025
Sushila Karki, a 73-year-old renowned jurist, has been sworn in as Nepal's interim Prime Minister, marking a historic milestone as the country's first female head of government. Her appointment follows the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, amid widespread protests led by young people, popularly known as the "Gen Z" movement. These protests were triggered by a social media ban and allegations of corruption within the government.
Karki's appointment was facilitated through consultations with protesters and constitutional experts, who sought a figure with integrity and impartiality to lead the country during this transition. As a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal, Karki is known for her strong stance against corruption and her commitment to judicial independence.
Karki was born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, Nepal, and served as Chief Justice of Nepal's Supreme Court from July 2016 to June 2017. She is widely respected for her honesty and zero tolerance against corruption.
As interim Prime Minister, Karki's tenure is expected to be marked by significant challenges, including stabilizing the government, addressing the grievances of the Gen Z protesters, and potentially paving the way for new elections. Her appointment has garnered attention both domestically and internationally, given her reputation as a champion of justice and transparency.
The protests that led to Karki's appointment were intense, resulting in 51 deaths and over 1,300 injuries. The Gen Z movement strongly backed Karki for the interim leadership role, citing her neutrality, legal expertise, and track record of standing against entrenched interests. Karki's government has been tasked with organizing fresh parliamentary elections within six months.
