Sushila Karki Sworn In as Nepal’s First Female Prime Minister of Interim Government

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been appointed as the first female Prime Minister of Nepal’s interim government following a breakthrough deal between major political parties and representatives of the Gen Z protest movement. She took the oath of office and secrecy at Sheetal Niwas on Friday night, administered by President Ram Chandra Paudel under Article 61(4) of the Constitution. The agreement also dissolved the current parliament with immediate effect.

Karki’s appointment comes at a time of nationwide youth-led demonstrations against corruption, lack of accountability, and restrictions on free expression. The Gen Z movement had made parliament dissolution a key demand, while political parties saw Karki as a neutral figure capable of leading the country through the crisis.

President Paudel has tasked the new Prime Minister with holding parliamentary elections within six months. The appointment is being viewed as a historic step, as Karki has become the first woman to lead the government in Nepal’s history. She is expected to induct new members into her cabinet in the coming days.

Widely regarded for her integrity, Karki previously served as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice from 2016 to 2017. Her appointment is seen as both a symbolic and practical response to the demands of the younger generation, signaling a shift in Nepal’s political landscape.