Kathmandu: Nepal’s former Supreme Court chief justice Sushila Karki has been sworn in as the country’s interim prime minister after days of violent anti-corruption protests forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign. The 73-year-old has become the first woman to lead the Himalayan nation, following a dramatic week of unrest that left over 50 people dead.
Protests that toppled the government
The protests erupted last week after the government banned 26 social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook. The ban was intended to curb a rising online campaign against corruption, but instead ignited widespread anger.
Crowds of mostly young protesters, many from the so-called “Gen Z movement,” poured into the streets of Kathmandu and other cities. The demonstrations quickly escalated, with rioters setting fire to parliament and other government buildings in the Singha Durbar palace complex.
Clashes with riot police left more than 50 people dead, while hundreds were injured. On Tuesday alone, 19 people lost their lives in violent confrontations with security forces.
Though the ban was lifted on Monday, by then the protests had transformed into a mass movement against Nepal’s political elite. The public outrage forced Prime Minister Oli to step down, creating a power vacuum that paved the way for Karki’s appointment.
A compromise candidate
On Friday evening, President Ram Chandra Poudel confirmed Karki’s appointment after reaching an agreement with protest leaders. Legal experts and Nepal’s army chief were involved in brokering the deal.
Parliament was dissolved soon after, and fresh elections have been scheduled for 5 March 2026. Karki is expected to announce her cabinet within days.
Her appointment is widely seen as a compromise to restore order and bridge the gap between the ruling establishment and the protesters.
Challenges before the new government
Karki’s interim administration faces significant hurdles. The immediate priority will be to restore law and order in Kathmandu, where the army is still patrolling streets amid fears of further unrest.
Reconstruction of damaged government buildings, including parliament, will also be a pressing task. Another challenge is to reassure the Gen Z protesters, who are demanding a political overhaul and accountability for corruption scandals.
Bringing those responsible for violence and arson to justice remains a sensitive issue. Many young Nepalese fear that without transparency, the interim government could fail to meet its promises.
A clean image with a controversial past
Sushila Karki is known for her reputation as a clean and independent figure. She served as Nepal’s first woman chief justice in 2016, though her nearly 11-month tenure was marked by controversy, including an impeachment attempt.
Born into a family with ties to the influential Koirala political dynasty, Karki pursued law with the support of her husband, Durga Subedi, a leader in the Nepali Congress. She has often credited him for playing a key role in her career.
Despite past controversies, Karki’s image of integrity has earned her support from protest leaders and civil society groups. Many believe her leadership could help steer Nepal through one of its deepest crises in decades.
The Gen Z movement
Much of the unrest has been driven by younger Nepalese who feel disillusioned with traditional politics. In the weeks before the social media ban, an online “nepo kid” campaign exposed the extravagant lifestyles of politicians’ children and raised allegations of corruption.
The attempt to silence this dissent backfired, fuelling anger among young people who had already grown frustrated with unemployment, nepotism and inequality.
Elated protesters welcomed Karki’s appointment, flooding social media with posts celebrating what they see as a victory for people’s power. However, many remain cautious, insisting that real change will only come with structural reforms and free elections.
Conclusion
Nepal now stands at a crossroads. The appointment of Sushila Karki as interim prime minister has offered a brief respite after the most violent protests in decades. But with a fragile political order, an impatient youth movement, and fresh elections less than six months away, her leadership will be tested from the outset.
How effectively she restores stability, rebuilds trust, and ensures accountability will determine whether Nepal moves towards democratic renewal or deeper political uncertainty.