Sushila Karki Sworn in as Nepal’s Interim Prime Minister Amid Gen Z Protests

Kathmandu, Nepal– Nepal entered a historic moment on Friday night as former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as the country’s interim Prime Minister, becoming the first woman to hold the post.Her appointment comes after days of violent anti-corruption protests that forced former PM K.P. Sharma Oli to resign earlier this week. The Gen Z-led demonstrations, marked by anger over corruption and restrictions on social media, left at least 51 people dead and over 1,300 injured across the country.

Historic Appointment

At 73, Sushila Karki already holds the distinction of being Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice. She was administered the oath at 8:45 pm local time, with her first responsibility being to restore calm and order in the streets of Kathmandu and beyond.

Earlier in the day, Karki emphasized she would accept the interim role only if allowed a fair investigation into corruption at high levels and a probe into police excesses that claimed the lives of at least 20 protesters.

Political Challenges Ahead

Despite widespread support, constitutional challenges loom. Nepal’s Constitution bars retired justices from holding political or constitutional office. President Ram Chandra Poudel has insisted that the crisis must be addressed within the constitutional framework, even as Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel and segments of the Gen Z movement back Karki’s leadership.

Major political parties including the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), and Maoist Centre have supported the President’s position, signaling further debates in Parliament. Meanwhile, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah has openly endorsed dissolving Parliament and backing Karki, fueling political polarisation.

Unrest and Economic Fallout

The protests have not only destabilized governance but also inflicted heavy economic losses. Nepal’s hotel industry alone has reported damages exceeding Rs 25 billion, with several luxury hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara destroyed. Tourism, one of the nation’s lifelines, is now under severe strain.

Curfew relaxations allowed markets in Kathmandu to reopen briefly, but public transport remains suspended under army-enforced restrictions. Banks and the Supreme Court are set to reopen in phases after extensive damage.

The Road Ahead

As interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki faces the twin challenges of restoring order and navigating constitutional hurdles to legitimacy. With protesters demanding justice, and political parties locked in disagreement, her leadership will be critical in determining whether Nepal moves towards stability or deeper crisis.