Sushila Karki Takes Charge as Nepal’s Interim PM

(MENAFN) Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been named Nepal’s interim prime minister after weeks of intense protests that were sparked by widespread corruption allegations and a controversial social media ban. The protests led to at least 51 fatalities and over 1,300 injuries.

On Friday, President Ram Chandra Paudel officially confirmed Karki’s appointment, following the dissolution of parliament and the announcement of new elections set for March 2026. This decision came after high-stakes negotiations involving the president, leaders of Nepal's “Generation Z” protest movement, and General Ashok Raj Sigdel, the chief of Nepal’s army. The military had effectively assumed control over the capital, Kathmandu, imposing a strict curfew as unrest spread.

At 73 years old, Karki becomes Nepal’s first female interim prime minister. She is recognized for her outspoken opposition to corruption. Between 2016 and 2017, she made history as Nepal's first female chief justice. Her tenure was nearly cut short when some lawmakers attempted to impeach her in 2017 on accusations of bias. However, the impeachment motion was swiftly blocked following a public outcry and intervention by the Supreme Court. Karki stepped down in 2018 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65.

The protests, which began in early September, were fueled by frustration over the visible wealth of politicians’ children while the country grappled with widespread poverty and youth unemployment above 20%. Tensions heightened when the government imposed a ban on social media platforms, further inflaming public anger. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces turned violent, with police reportedly using live ammunition, in addition to tear gas and water cannons. The unrest reached a boiling point on Tuesday when protesters set fire to the national parliament, prompting the resignation of former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.

Karki has not yet commented publicly on her new role or revealed her plans for the country’s immediate future. However, Nepal’s neighbor, India, welcomed the development.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations, writing on X, “Heartfelt congratulations to the Honorable 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.”

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