Sushila Karki, Nepal’s former Chief Justice, has been appointed as the country’s first female interim Prime Minister following widespread anti-corruption protests. The demonstrations, primarily led by young citizens, erupted over issues of corruption and economic inequality, leading to the resignation of former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. The protests resulted in at least 72 deaths and numerous injuries, marking the most intense political unrest in Nepal in decades. (reuters.com)
In her inaugural address, Karki acknowledged the demands of the youth-led "Gen Z" movement, emphasizing the need to address corruption, promote good governance, and achieve economic equality. She stated, "We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation." (aljazeera.com) Karki also announced compensation of 1 million rupees (approximately $7,100) to the families of those who lost their lives during the protests and pledged free medical care for the injured. (reuters.com)
The interim government, led by Karki, is tasked with restoring order and preparing for national elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. To address the nation’s challenges, Karki appointed three key figures with strong reformist and anti-corruption credentials to her cabinet:
- Rameshwore Prasad Khanal: Former finance secretary and economist, appointed as Finance Minister.
- Kulman Ghising: Known for eliminating power outages as a former utility chief, appointed as Energy Minister.
- Om Prakash Aryal: A human rights lawyer, appointed as Home Minister. (reuters.com)
Karki’s leadership marks a significant moment in Nepal’s political landscape, as she becomes the first woman to hold the position of Prime Minister. Her appointment is seen as a response to the public’s demand for leadership that embodies integrity and a commitment to combating corruption. (aljazeera.com)
Nepal’s New Interim Prime Minister Vows to Combat Corruption Amidst Protests:
- Death toll from Nepal’s anti-corruption protests raised to 72
- Nepal’s new prime minister urges calm after deadly protests
- Nepal picks three with reformist credentials for interim cabinet
Indeep
Sushila Karki has been appointed as Nepal’s new interim Prime Minister following protests against the previous government. In her inaugural address, she emphasized a commitment to combating corruption and addressing citizens’ concerns. Karki aims to implement reforms and restore public trust in government institutions, promising to work collaboratively with various political parties to achieve these goals. Her appointment comes at a critical time for Nepal, as citizens demand accountability and effective governance.
These Q&A are AI-generated. Learn More
