Former Chief Justice Sworn in as Nepal’s Interim PM amid deadly protests

Sushila Karki made history as Nepal’s first female prime minister, sworn in as interim leader on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, after a tumultuous week of massive, deadly youth-led protests against corruption and nepotism that toppled former PM KP Sharma Oli’s government, plunging the nation into political turmoil. A 73-year-old former Chief Justice, Sushila Karki, has emerged as the ‘unlikely’ yet powerful choice of the country’s Gen Z protesters to lead the interim government. After weeks of intense, deadly protests sparked by a social media ban and fueled by widespread frustration over corruption, nepotism, and economic inequality in Nepal. Protesters supported Karki through an informal vote on the messaging app Discord. India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced and said it is ‘hopeful’ that the change would help in fostering peace and stability. “As a close neighbor, fellow democracy, and a long term development partner, India will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries,” a statement from the ministry said. According to the Office of President Ram Chandra Paudel, he has dissolved parliament on the recommendation of Karki, and new elections have been scheduled for March 5, 2026. Karki has spent much of her career within every establishment the youth are protesting against, yet her reputation as a fearless and incorruptible jurist has appealed to many young people in the country of 30 million. “We want someone who has integrity and is not a political opportunist. She fits that category for us,” said Biraj Aryal, a 28-year-old aspiring chartered accountant, adding that Karki is the only figure that the entire country can rely upon. “Since she has been a judge she is well versed with the laws and systems of the land. We are certain that she can provide a safe landing for us out of this crisis,” he added. A 24-year-old law student Anjali Sah told CNN, “She is also the first female justice of Nepal, and we are hoping that a woman leading this country will help set things in order and to reduce corruption.” Binay Mishra, a Kathmandu-based public policy analyst, said Karki “has lately become very vocal, particularly about the politicization of judiciary and how judges are being appointed partially.” “She has grown in stature over the past few months,” he added. Karki built a legal career culminating in her historic appointment as Nepal’s first female chief justice, born in the Morang district of Eastern Nepal. It was during her tenure at the helm of the judiciary that became known for her zero-tolerance approach to corruption. One year after her appointment, Karki faced impeachment motion from the ruling coalition after her bench overturned the government’s choice for police chief, a decision seen as a defense of meritocracy against political cronyism. The motion was withdrawn after a significant public and judicial backlash, an episode that solidified her image as a guardian of institutional integrity against an overreaching executive.