Sushila Karki becomes Nepal’s first woman interim Prime Minister, taking oath amid protests and political upheaval.

In a historic turn of events, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in on 12 September 2025 as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal — the first woman ever to lead the country in that capacity. Her appointment follows mass protests led largely by young people (“Gen Z”), calling out corruption, nepotism, and demanding political change. These protests forced the resignation of former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and resulted in the dissolution of parliament. 

Karki, age 73, is noted for her prior service as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal (2016-2017), where she earned a reputation for anti-corruption and integrity. Her selection came after consultations among the President, the Army leadership, and representatives of protestors. 

The President, Ram Chandra Poudel, administered the oath at the presidential residence, marking a symbolic moment in Nepal’s politics. Parliament has been dissolved, and elections have been scheduled for early March 2026. 

Challenges ahead for her interim government include restoring law and order, addressing the demands of protestors, investigating the violence during protests (which saw dozens killed and many injured), and ensuring a credible transition to a fully elected govern

ment.