Nepal gets first female PM as Sushila Karki takes oath amid unrest

Nepal has appointed its first female prime minister, with Sushila Karki taking the oath as the interim leader. The appointment comes after days of intense political turmoil and nationwide protests that have shaken the country. The 73-year-old former chief justice was chosen by a consensus among young protesters, President Ram Chandra Paudel, and army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, marking a new chapter in Nepal’s leadership.

The decision to appoint Karki was announced by the presidential office, bringing an end to speculation over who would lead the caretaker government. Karki’s name emerged as a frontrunner alongside other popular figures like engineer Kulman Ghising and Kathmandu's mayor Balendra Shah. Her selection as a neutral, non-political figure is widely seen as a move to restore public trust in institutions that have been battered by years of infighting and corruption.

Karki is set to lead a small cabinet in the interim government. Her primary mandate is to organize fresh elections and navigate the country toward political stability. The new cabinet is also expected to recommend the dissolution of the national and all seven provincial parliaments, a key demand of the protest movement.

The protests that preceded this political shift were initially triggered by a government ban on social media platforms. However, they quickly escalated into a broader rejection of political elites, corruption, and a lack of accountability. The youth-led 'Gen-Z' movement, which has been at the forefront of the demonstrations, views Karki as a credible figure capable of leading the country through its current crisis.

Throughout her career, Karki has been known for her strong anti-corruption stance and judicial integrity. She made history in 2016 when she became Nepal’s first and only woman chief justice. During her tenure, she earned a reputation for fairness and for her willingness to challenge political interference in the judiciary, which earned her widespread respect.

Born in 1952 in the Dhankuta district, Karki has a robust academic background, including a law degree from Tribhuvan University and a master's degree in political science from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in India. Her appointment to the highest political office is a testament to her widespread popularity and the hope that her leadership can pave the way for a more stable and transparent future for Nepal.