Nepal Appoints First Female Interim Leader Amid Deadly Protests

Kathmandu, Sept. 12, 2025 - Nepal’s former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as interim prime minister on Friday, stepping in to lead the Himalayan nation after anti-corruption demonstrations forced the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.

In the wake of youth-led protests that turned violent this week, President Ram Chandra Paudel tapped Karki-Nepal’s first female Supreme Court chief justice-to steer the country toward fresh elections, underscoring demands for transparency and rule of law.

Nut Graf

Karki, 73, assumed leadership as Nepal grapples with its worst political turmoil in decades, marked by at least 51 fatalities and more than 1,300 injuries during clashes with security forces. Her reputation for integrity and anti-graft rulings made her the consensus choice of Gen Z protest leaders, the military and the presidency.

Appointment and Oath

  • Selection: President Paudel and Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel agreed with protest representatives to appoint Karki as caretaker prime minister.
  • Ceremony: Karki was sworn in at the presidential residence at 5 p.m. local time, alongside two senior ministers.
  • Mandate: The interim government is mandated to organize national elections within six months.

Protest Toll and Aftermath

  • Deaths: Security forces’ crackdown on social media ban protests left 21 demonstrators, nine inmates, three police officers and 18 others dead.
  • Escapes: Over 12,500 prisoners fled jails amid the unrest; authorities have recaptured several hundred but more than 12,000 remain at large.
  • Curfew: The army maintains curfews in key regions, with troops patrolling Kathmandu’s streets to prevent further violence.

Road to Elections

Karki’s caretaker cabinet is expected to recommend the dissolution of both federal and provincial parliaments, fulfilling Gen Z demands. The interim administration will prioritize restoring order, investigating corruption allegations and overseeing a transparent electoral process.

With elections looming, Karki’s leadership will be tested on her ability to balance stability, reform and youth expectations in a nation beset by political fragmentation and public discontent.