Sushila Karki took Oath as Nepal’s interim PM

Sushila Karki, a former chief judge, was sworn in as Nepal’s acting prime minister. After days of conjecture and behind-the-scenes negotiations, the ceremony took place in Nepal’s Rashtrapati Bhavan. In the event, Nepal received the nation’s first female head of state. It was resolved to hold general elections on 5th March 2026 after the oath-taking ceremony.

Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Rawat and Vice President Ram Sahay Yadav attended the swearing-in event along with President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister Karki. Naveen Srivastava, India’s ambassador to Nepal, also met with the recently sworn-in Prime Minister and offered him congratulations.

“We welcome the formation of a new Interim Government in Nepal, led by Right Honourable Mrs Sushila Karki. We are hopeful that this would help in fostering peace and stability. As a close neighbour, a fellow democracy, and a long-term development partner. India will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries,” said the External Affairs Ministry.

Following the consensus reached by President Ramchandra Paudel, General Ashok Raj Sigdel of the Nepal Army, and members of the Gen Z protest movement, whose agitation had prompted former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign earlier this week. The decision was formally announced by the office of the President.

The Gen Z Protest

Following days of tense and occasionally violent protests, Karki’s appointment was decided. According to individuals who spoke to AFP, President Ramchandra Paudel, members of the Gen Z protest movement, and General Ashok Raj Sigdel have agreed to the agreement.

The social media ban sparked the latest protest, which turned into a large-scale campaign against corruption and poor leadership. After conflicts between security forces and protestors who disobeyed curfews, police revealed that at least 51 people had died and over 1300 had been injured. The troops were removed from the streets of Kathmandu on Friday. Police officers stood guard with batons instead of firearms as parts of the capital began to reopen.

Who is Sushila Karki?

The 73-year-old Sushila Karki has no political experience. Her most well-known role was serving as Nepal’s first female chief justice from July 2016 to June 2017. Her zero-tolerance policy for corruption, which garnered her both support and criticism, characterised her tenure on the bench.

At a time when widespread protests against corruption and misrule are rocking Nepal, her reputation as an honest jurist has catapulted her into the political spotlight. Her position as interim prime minister was demanded by a sizable portion of the demonstrators.