Kathmandu, (Nepal). Nepal has entered a historic political transition. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki took oath as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister, becoming the first woman to lead the nation. President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office at a late-night ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Kathmandu. Vice President Rambaran Yadav and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.
Following her appointment, Karki recommended the dissolution of the House of Representatives. President Paudel approved the decision and announced fresh parliamentary elections for March 21, 2026. The political shift follows massive youth-led protests, sparked by a controversial social media ban, corruption, and rising unemployment. The unrest began on September 8, led by protesters aged 15 to 24.
Protesters torched government buildings, including parts of Parliament. According to Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal, 72 people died and 191 were injured during the protests. The violence forced the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Sushila Karki Vows: Fight Corruption and Serve Youth
In her first public address, Prime Minister Sushila Karki promised to tackle corruption, ensure transparency, and promote good governance. “We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation,” she said.Karki announced a clean and reform-driven cabinet, naming three respected figures:
- Kulman Ghising – Energy Minister
Known as Nepal’s “Power Hero,” Ghising ended load-shedding across Nepal. His appointment signals a push for energy reform. - Ram Aashor Khanal – Finance Minister
A veteran economic expert, Khanal is known for stabilizing Nepal’s economy and maintaining ties with Indian economic institutions. - Om Prakash Aryal – Law and Justice Minister
A human rights lawyer, Aryal has led key anti-corruption cases and is expected to spearhead judicial reforms.
In another milestone, Savita Bhandari was appointed as Nepal’s first female Attorney General.
Traffic has resumed and shops are open in Kathmandu. However, the pain of the recent violence remains. Karki observed a minute of silence for the victims before her first cabinet meeting at Singha Durbar. Protest leaders Tanaka Dhami and Arjun Shahi claimed their movement was peaceful and targeted corruption, not violence. “We want a new economic system,” said Shahi.
“Youth are leaving due to joblessness,” added Dhami.
Dalai Lama Congratulates Sushila Karki
From Dharamsala, His Holiness the Dalai Lama congratulated Karki in a personal letter. “I wish you every success in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of Nepal in these challenging times,” he wrote.
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