Nepal’s former chief justice, Sushila Karki, took oath as the interim prime minister in a ceremony at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, on Friday night and became the first woman prime minister of the country. Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office of secrecy to Sushila Karki at a ceremony at Sheetal Niwas, the President’s Office. The government has been mandated to hold elections within six months.
Karki took oath three days after former PM KP Sharma Oli resigned after massive protests against his government rocked the nation. Nepal’s Vice President Ram Sahay Yadav and Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Rawat were also present during the swearing-in ceremony. Nepal’s parliament was dissolved just hours after Karki took oath as the interim prime minister.
Interim PM holds first Cabinet meeting, proposes polls in March 2026
Soon after her swearing-in, Karki held the first Cabinet meeting of her government and proposed holding fresh general elections on March 4, 2026. She may also recommend imposing an emergency in Nepal to bring the situation swiftly under control. The president is expected to give his approval to the Cabinet’s recommendation, and the state of emergency will come into effect across Nepal.
Nepal’s first and only female chief justice, Karki, 73, is known for her honesty, integrity, and stand against corruption. She was the preferred choice of the Gen Z protesters in Nepal and scripted history by becoming the first woman prime minister of Nepal. The decision to appoint Sushila Karki as head of the interim government was taken after protesters held marathon talks with the Army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel and President Ram Chandra Poudel, following which the protesters’ demands of dissolving the Parliament and appointing Karki as the interim PM were accepted.
India welcomes formation of interim govt in Nepal
The Indian government welcomed the formation of the interim government in Nepal led by Sushila Karki and said India is hopeful that this would help in fostering peace and stability.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “We welcome the formation of a new Interim Government in Nepal, led by Right Honourable Mrs Sushila Karki. We are hopeful that this would help in fostering peace and stability.”
“As a close neighbour, a fellow democracy, and a long-term development partner, India will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries,” it added..
At least 51 people were killed in the massive protests that broke out in Nepal on Monday, September 8. Karki emerged as the leading candidate, as she was supported by many Gen Z representatives, who led the protests.
Nepal witnessed the worst unrest in decades and has struggled with political and economic instability since protests led to the abolition of the monarchy in 2008.
The youth of Nepal has been frustrated for years due to the lack of jobs, and most of them have to go to the Middle East, South Korea, and Malaysia for work and send money home. (WION News)
