Nepal has entered a new political chapter as former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki, 73, was sworn in as the country’s interim prime minister. Her appointment came after mass anti-corruption protests forced the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and left more than 50 people dead. Karki, widely regarded as a figure of integrity, is now the first woman to lead the Himalayan nation.
The protests, initially triggered by a ban on social media platforms, rapidly grew into a movement against corruption and political privilege. Demonstrators stormed parliament and government offices in Kathmandu, demanding accountability from the ruling elite. Parliament has since been dissolved, and fresh elections are scheduled for March 5 next year.
Karki’s interim government faces daunting challenges: restoring law and order, rebuilding parliament and public confidence, and addressing the demands of Nepal’s Gen Z-led movement. Elated young protesters see her appointment as a breakthrough, though concerns remain about the resilience of Nepal’s fragile democracy. With army patrols still on the streets, the interim leadership must prove that this compromise can usher in lasting stability and reform.
