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**Nepal Appoints Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as Interim PM Amidst ‘Gen Z’ Protests**

**Kathmandu, Nepal** – Nepal has appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, 73, as interim Prime Minister, following days of deadly “Gen Z” protests sparked by widespread anger over corruption and government ineffectiveness. President Ramchandra Poudel announced the appointment Friday, with Karki being sworn in as the country’s first-ever female Prime Minister later that day. Snap elections are scheduled for March 2026, two years earlier than anticipated.

The protests, which began on September 8, saw young Nepalis take to the streets of Kathmandu and other cities, demanding an end to corruption and a more responsive government. Frustration was also directed at the privileged lifestyles of “Nepo kids” – children of government officials flaunting their wealth online. Demonstrations turned violent, with clashes between protesters and security forces resulting in a reported 51 deaths. Protesters even stormed the parliament complex, leading to a crackdown.

Facing escalating unrest, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned last Tuesday, prompting the need for an interim government. Hami Nepal, the group that organized the protests, crowdsourced suggestions to find Oli’s replacement through a Discord server with around 10,000 participants. The group chose Karki after hours of debate.

Karki, despite her age, was selected due to her reputation for integrity and her past resistance against corruption during her tenure as Chief Justice. In 2017, she faced an attempted impeachment for overturning a government appointment, a move that was seen as politically motivated.

“I did not come to this position because I had sought it, but because there were voices from the streets demanding that Sushila Karki should be given the responsibility,” Karki said in her first public remarks.

While some have raised concerns about the age of the interim leader, many view Karki’s appointment as a symbol of change and accountability. Journalist Anish Ghimre noted the protesters’ trust in Karki’s character as the driving force behind her selection.

Karki has acknowledged the demands of the younger generation, promising to address corruption and promote good governance and economic equality. She has appointed Om Prakash Aryal as home minister, Rameshwar Prasad Khanal as finance minister and Kulman Ghising as energy minister. She has also pledged to hold the position for no more than six months, ensuring a handover to the next parliament after the upcoming elections.

However, with parliament dissolved, Karki’s government faces the challenge of implementing meaningful change, particularly in addressing the root causes of corruption that fueled the “Gen Z” protests.

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