Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to Lead Nepal’s Interim Government; First Woman PM

Kathmandu: Nepal’s former Chief Justice Sushila Karki will head an interim government, the President’s office announced on Friday, ending days of political uncertainty following the abrupt resignation of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. Oli stepped down after widespread anti-government protests over a social media ban and allegations of corruption.

Karki, 73, widely respected for her tenure as Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice, will make history as the country’s first woman prime minister. She was appointed after consultations between President Ram Chandra Paudel, top military officials, and representatives of youth protesters.

The swearing- in ceremony is scheduled for 9 pm, according to Kiran Pokharel, the president’s press advisor. Karki faces the immediate challenge of restoring law and order following massive protests since Sunday.

Appointed through consensus among all political stakeholders, Karki will form a small cabinet. At its first meeting, she is expected to recommend to the President the dissolution of Parliament, in line with agreements reached among various parties. President Paudel also consulted leaders of major political parties, legal experts, and civil society representatives before finalising the appointment.

Prime Minister Oli’s resignation came after a large-scale protest by the ‘Gen Z’ movement, whose key demands included curbing corruption, ending favoritism, and lifting the ban on social media platforms.