Sushila Karki Becomes Nepal’s First Woman Prime Minister, Takes Oath as Interim Leader

World

Nepal’s former chief justice, Sushila Karki, was sworn in as the country’s first-ever woman prime minister on Friday night, marking a historic moment in Nepal’s political landscape.

The oath-taking ceremony was held at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, where President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy. Vice President Ram Sahay Yadav and Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Rawat attended the event.

Karki, 73, assumed office three days after the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, whose government collapsed amid massive anti-government protests that left at least 51 people dead. Soon after Karki took charge, Nepal’s parliament was dissolved.

First Cabinet Meeting and Key Decisions

Immediately following the ceremony, the interim prime minister chaired her first Cabinet meeting and proposed fresh general elections for March 4, 2026. Reports suggest she may also recommend imposing a state of emergency to restore order, pending presidential approval.

Protesters’ Demand Fulfilled

Karki’s appointment came after marathon negotiations between Gen Z-led protesters, Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, and President Paudel. Protesters demanded the dissolution of parliament and the installation of Karki as interim leader — a demand that was ultimately accepted.

Known for her integrity, anti-corruption stance, and judicial independence, Karki was also Nepal’s first and only female chief justice, making her selection highly symbolic for the youth-led movement.

India Welcomes Interim Government

India welcomed the formation of the interim government, with the Ministry of External Affairs issuing a statement:

The ministry reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with Nepal “as a close neighbour, a fellow democracy, and a long-term development partner.”

A Country in Crisis

Nepal has faced decades of political and economic instability since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. The latest wave of unrest was the worst in decades, fueled largely by youth anger over job scarcity and migration pressures, with many young Nepalis forced to seek work in the Middle East, South Korea, and Malaysia.

Karki’s leadership marks both a turning point and a test: whether an interim government can restore calm and lead the country toward stable elections in 2026.