Sushila Karki Becomes Nepal’s First Female Prime Minister Amid Unrest

Sun Oct 19 2025 23:28:25 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a historic move, Nepal appoints Sushila Karki as its first female Prime Minister following deadly protests that erupted over government decisions and corruption.

Sushila Karki has been sworn in as Nepal's first female interim Prime Minister amid a backdrop of severe unrest and protests over a ban on social media and allegations of corruption. More than 50 people lost their lives during the demonstrations that ultimately led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Karki’s leadership seeks to navigate the turbulent landscape of political dissatisfaction and civil unrest as the country prepares for upcoming elections.

Nepal's former Supreme Court chief justice Sushila Karki has become the country's interim prime minister after deadly anti-corruption protests ousted the government.

The 73-year-old was sworn in during a brief ceremony, becoming the first woman to lead the impoverished Himalayan nation after a deal was reached with protest leaders.

More than 50 people were killed in clashes with riot police during this week's mass protests sparked by a ban on social media platforms.

The ban was lifted on Monday - but by then protests had swelled into a mass movement. Angry crowds set fire to parliament and government buildings in the capital Kathmandu on Tuesday, forcing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign.

Earlier on Friday, President Ram Chandra Poudel's press adviser confirmed to the BBC that Karki would take the oath of office that evening. The agreement between the president and the protest leaders was reached after days of consultations, involving legal experts.

Parliament was dissolved late Friday, with general elections announced for March 5 next year. Karki is expected to appoint ministers soon, and she is seen as having a clean image by the Gen Z student leaders supporting her interim government.

However, Karki's cabinet will face significant challenges in restoring law and order, reconstructing damaged government property, and addressing the demands of protesters.

Following an impeachment incident during her tenure as chief justice, Karki's political journey has not been without controversy. The current unrest was brought on by a controversial ban on social media platforms that expanded into broader discontent with political corruption.

Nepal's army continues patrolling the streets of Kathmandu as a fragile calm settles in after the worst unrest in decades, amid questions about the future of the country’s democratic process.