Sushila Karki: Gen Z Nepal PM, India ties
Sushila Karki Emerges as Gen Z’s Choice for Nepal’s Interim Prime Minister
Nepal’s political landscape has been thrown into turmoil following the dramatic resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who stepped down after days of escalating student-led protests across the country. In an unexpected turn, protesters—largely driven by the Gen Z movement—have reportedly rallied behind an unconventional candidate: former Chief Justice Sushila Karki.
According to Nepalese media outlets, Karki’s name was finalized during a virtual meeting of the Gen Z leadership on Wednesday. At 73, she may not fit the stereotypical mold of a youth movement leader, but her reputation for honesty, independence, and fearlessness appears to have struck a chord with the protesters demanding sweeping political change.
Who is Sushila Karki?Sushila Karki made history in 2016 when she became Nepal’s first female chief justice, a milestone that cemented her place in the nation’s judiciary. Known for her tough stances on corruption and her unwillingness to bow to political pressure, she often clashed with powerful figures in government during her tenure. Those qualities are precisely what the young protesters now say they want in an interim leader—someone seen as clean, bold, and unafraid to challenge the entrenched political elite.
Her selection also reflects the Gen Z protesters’ desire to bridge generations, choosing someone older but respected, instead of turning solely to younger, less-experienced politicians. “The people trust her integrity,” said one protest organizer. “She represents independence from the corrupt political class, and that is exactly what we need right now.”
Other Names ConsideredWhile Karki’s candidacy appears to have gained the most traction, she was not the only figure discussed. Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, a popular independent politician known for his clean image, was considered, along with Kulman Ghising, the former head of Nepal’s Electricity Authority, who is credited with ending chronic power cuts in the country. Both are admired for their practical achievements and ability to bring change, but Karki’s symbolic weight as a former chief justice seems to have tipped the scales.
The Gen Z UprisingThe Gen Z-led protests that brought down Oli’s government began as demonstrations against censorship of social media platforms, but quickly morphed into a larger movement against corruption, poor governance, and political stagnation. For weeks, students and young professionals filled the streets of Kathmandu and other cities, calling for sweeping reforms and an end to what they describe as “decades of broken promises.”
The protests escalated violently earlier this week, with clashes between demonstrators and police resulting in dozens of casualties. Oli’s resignation came after it became clear that his government had lost control of the streets.
A Symbolic ChoiceThe choice of Sushila Karki as interim prime minister is highly symbolic. Not only does she carry the weight of being Nepal’s first female chief justice, but she also embodies a break from partisan politics. Her distance from party machinery is seen as an asset by protesters who want a transitional leader with no vested interests.
The secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association, who confirmed her name had been put forward, told Reuters that Karki’s leadership could help stabilize the country until fresh elections are held.
Challenges AheadStill, significant questions remain. Will Nepal’s traditional political parties, many of whom have been hostile to Karki in the past, accept her leadership? And will she agree to take on the role at all, given her age and the volatile political climate?
For now, however, her name has energized the protest movement, offering young Nepalese a symbol of integrity at a moment of deep crisis. Whether she accepts the mantle or not, Sushila Karki has already become the unlikely face of a generation’s demand for change.