Fri Sep 12 18:31:11 UTC 2025: ## Nepal Swears In Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as Interim Prime Minister Amidst Political Turmoil

**Kathmandu, Nepal** – In a dramatic turn of events, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been sworn in as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal, marking a historic moment as the country’s first female head of government. The ceremony, held at Rashtrapati Bhawan, follows days of intense negotiations and widespread protests that led to the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. General elections have been scheduled for March 5, 2026.

The decision to appoint Karki was reached through a consensus between President Ramchandra Paudel, Nepal Army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel, and representatives of the Generation Z protest movement, who spearheaded the demonstrations against corruption and unemployment that ultimately forced Oli’s departure. The protests, however, were met with a harsh police crackdown resulting in at least 51 fatalities.

Present at the swearing-in ceremony were Vice President Ram Sahay Yadav, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Rawat, and India’s Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, who congratulated the newly appointed Prime Minister.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs released a statement welcoming the formation of the new interim government, expressing hope for peace and stability in Nepal. “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,” the statement read.

While Karki emerged as the consensus candidate, other figures, including engineer Kulman Ghising and popular Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen), were also considered.

Karki, who served as Nepal’s first female chief justice from 2016 to 2017, is known for her uncompromising stance against corruption. Despite facing a politically motivated impeachment attempt during her tenure, she remains a respected figure, particularly among younger Nepalese. Her appointment is seen as a potential step towards addressing the issues that fueled the recent protests and paving the way for a more stable and accountable government in Nepal.

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