Nepal has entered a historic new phase. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki is Nepal’s first woman Prime Minister, appointed by President Ram Chandra Poudel after dissolving Parliament. The move came on Friday, 12 September 2025, following days of intense protests and political upheaval. Fresh elections have now been scheduled for 5 March 2026.
A landmark appointment
At 73, Karki has broken two glass ceilings in her lifetime. She was the first woman to serve as Nepal’s Chief Justice, and now she becomes the nation’s first woman Prime Minister. President Poudel administered her oath of office at a brief ceremony before announcing the dissolution of the House of Representatives.
The decision came after mounting pressure from Gen Z protesters, who toppled the government of K.P. Sharma Oli earlier in the week. Their demand was simple: dissolve the old Parliament and make way for a clean, interim leadership.
Backing Gen Z’s call
Protesters argued that leaving Parliament intact would allow discredited political parties to retain control. Karki sided with them, insisting that the House must go if Nepal was to start fresh.
Prominent campaigner Sudan Gurung said dissolving Parliament was “non-negotiable.” His view echoed Kathmandu’s Mayor, Balendra Shah, whose endorsement of Ms. Karki helped unify protesters around her name.
Turmoil in Kathmandu
The appointment followed a violent week in Nepal. On 8 September, at least 19 people were killed when the Oli government cracked down on demonstrators. In retaliation, protesters torched homes of politicians, stormed official residences, and set fire to state buildings including the Supreme Court, Parliament, and Singha Durbar.
Oli resigned on 9 September and has since been under Army protection. As protests grew, campaigners chose Ms. Karki to lead an interim Cabinet, seen as the best hope for stability.
Challenges ahead
Karki’s immediate task is to form a Cabinet that will steer Nepal through the next six months. She must also prepare the country for elections and ensure a peaceful transfer of power to a newly elected democratic government.
Experts say her top priorities include investigating the September 8 violence, prosecuting those responsible, and addressing arson attacks on state institutions. She is also expected to push for constitutional reforms to strengthen accountability.
A clean image
Known for her honesty, Karki has long been respected as an anti-corruption crusader. She studied political science at Banaras Hindu University and law at Tribhuvan University. After serving as Acting Chief Justice in 2016, she became Chief Justice later that year before retiring in 2017.
According to former Ambassador Lok Raj Baral, her reputation makes her the right choice for the moment. “She must maintain law and order, restore trust in the state, and oversee credible elections,” he said.
Regional support
India welcomed the formation of Nepal’s interim government. The Ministry of External Affairs released a statement calling her appointment a positive step towards peace and stability. “As a close neighbour and development partner, India will continue to work closely with Nepal for the prosperity of our peoples,” the statement read.
A defining moment
The road ahead will not be easy. Sushila Karki now carries the responsibility of restoring trust in governance, calming the streets, and guiding Nepal back to democracy. For a generation tired of corruption and chaos, her leadership offers a rare moment of hope.
