Saturday, 13 September, 2025
Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki made history on Friday night by taking oath as Nepal’s first female prime minister, assuming the role of interim head of government at a time of deep political turmoil.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at 9pm local time at the President’s Office in Kathmandu, where President Ram Chandra Paudel formally administered the oath of office. The Office of the President later confirmed her appointment through an official statement.
Following the ceremony, the government announced that Nepal’s next general election will be held on March 5, 2026, setting a definitive timeline for restoring a fully elected government.
According to NDTV, Karki’s appointment came after a rare consensus was reached between Nepal’s influential Gen-Z protest leaders, President Paudel, and Army Chief Gen Ashok Raj Sigdel. The deal followed weeks of youth-led protests that paralyzed the country, demanding an end to corruption, transparency in governance, and fresh elections.
The demonstrations, which saw tens of thousands of young Nepalis take to the streets, were triggered by anger over unemployment, inflation, and alleged government mismanagement. The movement forced the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, whose government faced accusations of corruption and authoritarian tendencies.
Sushila Karki is no stranger to breaking barriers. She previously made history as Nepal’s first woman chief justice, serving from 2016 to 2017. Known for her fearless approach to justice, she gained a reputation for cracking down on corruption and even sent a sitting minister to jail during her tenure.
Her return to public leadership has been widely welcomed by the younger generation, who see her as a symbol of integrity and accountability. Analysts say her interim government is likely to focus on stabilizing the country, curbing corruption, and preparing a fair electoral process.
Political commentators have called her appointment “a landmark moment for Nepal’s democracy,” signaling a generational shift in leadership and a renewed hope for reform.
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Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki made history on Friday night by taking oath as Nepal’s first female prime minister, assuming the role of interim head of government at a time of deep political turmoil.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at 9pm local time at the President’s Office in Kathmandu, where President Ram Chandra Paudel formally administered the oath of office. The Office of the President later confirmed her appointment through an official statement.
Following the ceremony, the government announced that Nepal’s next general election will be held on March 5, 2026, setting a definitive timeline for restoring a fully elected government.
According to NDTV, Karki’s appointment came after a rare consensus was reached between Nepal’s influential Gen-Z protest leaders, President Paudel, and Army Chief Gen Ashok Raj Sigdel. The deal followed weeks of youth-led protests that paralyzed the country, demanding an end to corruption, transparency in governance, and fresh elections.
The demonstrations, which saw tens of thousands of young Nepalis take to the streets, were triggered by anger over unemployment, inflation, and alleged government mismanagement. The movement forced the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, whose government faced accusations of corruption and authoritarian tendencies.
Sushila Karki is no stranger to breaking barriers. She previously made history as Nepal’s first woman chief justice, serving from 2016 to 2017. Known for her fearless approach to justice, she gained a reputation for cracking down on corruption and even sent a sitting minister to jail during her tenure.
Her return to public leadership has been widely welcomed by the younger generation, who see her as a symbol of integrity and accountability. Analysts say her interim government is likely to focus on stabilizing the country, curbing corruption, and preparing a fair electoral process.
Political commentators have called her appointment “a landmark moment for Nepal’s democracy,” signaling a generational shift in leadership and a renewed hope for reform.
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