Sushila Karki named Nepal’s first female interim PM after deadly protests

Nepal’s former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed interim prime minister on September 12, becoming the first woman to lead the country, following days of violent anti-graft protests that left at least 51 people dead and more than 1,300 injured.

President Ramchandra Paudel’s office announced the appointment after negotiations with army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel and leaders of the youth-led “Gen Z” protest movement, which had demanded the dissolution of Parliament and the formation of a non-partisan administration, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The president also declared a state of emergency and dissolved the House of Representatives under Article 273(1) of the Constitution.

Karki, 73, the only woman ever to have served as chief justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, is expected to be sworn in at the presidential palace, Sheetal Niwas, late on September 12. Two other ministers are also scheduled to take the oath of office alongside her, local television reported.

Her selection comes after the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on September 9. The protests were triggered by a controversial social media ban, later rescinded, but quickly grew into a broader anti-corruption movement.

Demonstrators, largely young Nepalis, had rallied behind Karki as their preferred choice for interim leader, citing her reputation for integrity and her outspoken stance against corruption.

“This move reflects the aspirations of the youth and a demand for clean governance,” said presidential press adviser Kiran Pokhrel, confirming the decision.

By Sabina Mammadli