Nepal Enters a Phase of Calm as First Female Prime Minister Sushila Karki Assumes Office

Nepal breathed a sigh of relief as Sushila Karki, former Chief Justice, was sworn in as the country’s first ever female Prime Minister, leading an interim government amid widespread political unrest.


Karki, aged 73, took the oath of office on 12 September 2025, following intense protests driven largely by Gen Z activists. The demonstrations were sparked by a recently imposed ban on social media and rapidly grew to include long-standing grievances over corruption, nepotism, and stagnating youth opportunities.


Her appointment was accompanied by decisive actions. Parliament was dissolved on the recommendation of her government, and fresh elections have been scheduled for 5 March 2026.


Already, security has improved in the capital, Kathmandu, signs of everyday life resuming, and the political atmosphere appears less volatile. Citizens celebrated in the streets after the swearing-in ceremony, hopeful that the new leadership will bring stability.


Karki is widely respected for her integrity. During her tenure as chief justice in 2016-2017, she gained recognition for judgments that challenged corruption and defended judicial independence. Observers see her as a compromise figure trusted by both protesters and institutional powers.


Nepal now faces a critical transitional period. The legitimacy of the interim government hinges on delivering credible reforms, ensuring that the elections scheduled for March are free and fair, and re-establishing public trust. The return of relative calm offers a chance for healing, but many say the tide of expectations is high, and the margin for error small.

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