Nepal names first female PM after deadly protests.
Nepal is poised to make history as former Chief Justice Sushila Karki is set to be appointed interim prime minister, marking the country’s first female leader. The decision comes amid widespread unrest, as violent protests against corruption have shaken the nation and left communities reeling. By naming Karki, authorities hope to restore order, calm tensions, and demonstrate a renewed commitment to accountability and justice during one of Nepal’s most turbulent political moments in recent years.
Nepal entered uncharted territory on Friday as it appointed its first female prime minister, a moment of historic change overshadowed by one of the deadliest waves of violence the country has seen in years.
Sushila Karki, a 73-year-old former Chief Justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, was sworn in as interim prime minister after days of unrest left at least 51 people dead and more than 1,300 injured. Thousands of prisoners escaped amid the chaos, some dying in clashes with security forces, others attempting to flee across the open border into India, where many were later caught.
The appointment of Karki was announced by the office of President Ramchandra Poudel, who personally administered the oath of office at the presidential residence in a ceremony broadcast nationwide. For millions of Nepalis watching on state television, the sight of Karki—long respected for her independence and integrity—was both a symbolic and practical step toward restoring calm.
“This is more than just an appointment,” said one Kathmandu resident. “It is a sign that the government is finally listening to the people.”
The unrest was fueled by anger over corruption and inequality, with younger generations—particularly Gen Z—taking to the streets in unprecedented numbers. Protests quickly spiraled into violence, prisons were stormed, and weapons were looted. By the time the army imposed a curfew, some protesters were already brandishing automatic rifles, an alarming reminder of Nepal’s history of armed conflict.
In the midst of this turmoil, Karki’s selection carries enormous weight. She is no stranger to breaking barriers: in 2016 she became the only woman to serve as Chief Justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, where she built a reputation as a principled reformer unafraid of challenging entrenched power. For many, her return to national leadership represents both a fresh start and a test of whether Nepal can chart a peaceful way forward.
International observers noted the unusual swiftness of her appointment. A constitutional expert, speaking to Reuters before the official announcement, hinted at the urgency driving the decision: “They [Gen Z] want Karki. This will happen today.”
The urgency was clear in the streets. Families have been mourning loved ones lost in the violence, while others anxiously wait for word about relatives who fled during the prison breaks. Security forces remain on high alert, patrolling sensitive areas and continuing to recover weapons looted during the upheaval—over 100 guns so far.
Yet even amid grief and fear, Karki’s appointment has sparked cautious hope. Supporters believe her track record of fairness may help restore public trust at a moment when the state appears fragile and divided. For ordinary Nepalis, still shaken by the violence, the hope is simple: that the country’s first female prime minister can guide them not just through a political transition, but toward a future defined less by corruption and bloodshed, and more by accountability, dignity, and peace.