Nepal has appointed its first female prime minister, Sushila Karki, following a week of unprecedented Gen Z-led protests that forced the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the dissolution of parliament.
Karki, 73, a former chief justice known for her tough stance against corruption, took the oath of office late Friday to lead an interim government tasked with preparing fresh elections, scheduled for 5 March next year.
The ceremony, held at the presidential palace, was attended by youth representatives, officials, and foreign diplomats.
On the appointment of Nepal’s interim prime minister, Prof. Krishna K. Shrestha of UNSW Sydney told The Australia Today:
“Hopeful unfoldings in Nepal: Challenging and changing the culture of politics and the making of a next generational leadership in Nepal.
He added that this is a welcome news, given the unprecedented chaos, uncertainties and risks, although the debates on constitutional provision continues. But also warned that “slogans, emotions and energy alone will not take us that far.”
Prof. Shrestha stressed that the new leadership requires “a calm and robust mindset, deliberative and evidence-informed decision making, and good guidance along the way.” He cautioned that Nepal “can’t afford to go into a chain of protests and movements… The culture of bad politics has been challenged; now the culture of politics must be changed for good.”
Looking ahead, Prof. Shrestha said, “One of the key challenges is how the new interim government to deal with the core issues of the movement: corruption, accountability, democratisation, and good governance.” He concluded,
“The responsibility ahead is not just the responsibility of the new government or the GenZ; it’s a collective responsibility for rebuilding new Nepal. So, good luck to the new interim government, GenZ and all of us.”
The protests, largely driven by Gen Z activists under the banner of anti-corruption and opposition to a temporary social media ban, turned violent earlier in the week with at least 51 killed and more than 500 injured.
Police fired on demonstrators, leaving more than 50 civilians dead and several key government buildings, including parliament, torched in Kathmandu. Oli, who had been airlifted to safety by the military, resigned on Tuesday amid the chaos.
Karki, appointed Nepal’s first female chief justice in 2016, became widely respected for high-profile rulings against corrupt ministers and police officials. Following her retirement, she continued to speak out on political malpractices, gaining the backing of youth leaders and Kathmandu’s popular young mayor, Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-politician.
The interim government, whose full cabinet is yet to be announced, faces multiple challenges: restoring law and order, rebuilding damaged institutions, investigating corruption allegations against former ministers, and addressing the deaths from the protests.
Asked in a recent interview about her expectations from PM Narendra Modi and India, she responded:
“First, I will say namaskaar to Modi ji. I have a good impression about Modi ji.”
She said government-to-government relations “is a different matter”, noting that there is a history to India-Nepal ties.
“India has helped Nepal at all times… (But) there is a saying (in Hindi): ‘When there are utensils kept together in the kitchen, they do make some sound.’ It happens!”
PM Modi has extended his best wishes to Right Ms Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. In a post he said:
“India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Nepal.”
International organisations too have welcomed Karki’s appointment. UNICEF described it as “an inspiration for girls and women,” while the UN emphasised support for peace, justice, and inclusive governance.
Karki’s historic appointment marks a turning point for Nepal’s young democracy, signalling hope for reform after one of the nation’s bloodiest weeks in modern history.
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