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- By Supratik Das
- Sat, 13 Sep 2025 10:03 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Nepal Gen Z protests: Nepal embarked on a new chapter in its political history on Friday when its first female Prime Minister, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, was sworn into office. Her swearing-in ceremony followed in the aftermath of huge demonstrations led by young people which brought down the government of KP Sharma Oli after weeks of rallies calling for accountability and a halt to corruption.
The swearing-in ceremony at Sheetal Niwas, the presidential residence in Kathmandu, was followed by the dissolution of Parliament and the announcement of fresh elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. The interim cabinet, approved in its first late-night meeting under Karki’s leadership, has been tasked with restoring order and preparing the ground for elections within six months.
Youth Movement Paves Way For Change
The agitations led by Gen Z, prompted by outrage at corruption and the imposition of a disputed social media ban, compelled KP Sharma Oli to step down earlier this week. At least 51 individuals were killed in the incited violence, which included curfews, police clashes, and government building burnings. Sushila Karki, selected by a public poll on the Discord online platform, became an unusual consensus candidate—acceptable to the protest leaders as well as the mainstream political parties. People in Kathmandu have shown guarded optimism, demanding a corruption-free government that focuses on good governance and stability.
Who Is Sushila Karki?
A native of Biratnagar, 1952, Sushila Karki is highly admired for her judicial honesty. She completed higher studies at Banaras Hindu University and Tribhuvan University before embarking on a long career in law, which ended with her appointment as Nepal's first female Chief Justice in 2016.
She made headlines throughout her time on the Supreme Court with dramatic rulings on corruption cases, defying political pressure. She was impeached in 2017 in a move many considered revenge for her independence. Her colleagues admire her as brave, untainted, and Gandhian in life.
Major Challenges Facing Nepal's New Prime Minister
In spite of overwhelming support, Sushila Karki has challenging tasks ahead in the coming months. Experts and citizens alike identify the following as issues of immediate concern:
• Reinstating order and public confidence after weeks of chaos and high casualties.
• Constituting a credible, non-partisan cabinet with specialists from various disciplines.
• Conducting free and fair elections within six months without compromising democratic standards.
• Checking deep-rooted corruption and holding accountable those involved in previous scandals.
• Balancing Gen Z’s demands for radical reforms with the expectations of traditional parties.
• Amending constitutional provisions, as many protesters demand stronger executive accountability.
• Reviving the economy and creating jobs, particularly for the restless youth who drove the protests.
India Welcomes Karki’s Appointment
India, which has a 1,751 km open border with Nepal, was among the first to respond. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Karki well, describing her appointment as a "heartfelt moment" and renewing India's pledge to Nepalese peace and prosperity. The Ministry of External Affairs also came out in support of the move, saying it hoped the step would "help usher in peace and stability in the Himalayan country.
At least for now, Nepal's streets are gradually returning to normal, as shops and schools have reopened following days of shutdown. But the confidence vested in Karki by the citizens, particularly the youth movement, will be put to test in the coming months. Her image as a brave and honest leader provides optimism in a country tired of political turbulence. Whether she is able to convert that faith into enduring change and stability will determine the destiny of Nepal's first ever woman Prime Minister.