Former Chief Justice Becomes First Woman PM of Nepal

First Woman PM of Nepal:

Nepal has entered a historic phase as former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been sworn in as the interim Prime Minister. She is the first woman in the country’s history to hold this position.

First Woman PM of Nepal:

Karki took oath of office on Friday night, just days after former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stepped down due to massive anti-corruption protests that rocked the nation. The oath was administered by President Ram Chandra Paudel at his residence.

Immediately after her swearing-in, Karki chaired her first Cabinet meeting and suggested that fresh general elections be held on March 4, 2026. A formal announcement regarding the polls is expected soon.

Political Tensions and Boycott

Although the ceremony was significant, it was marked by political tension. Leaders of both houses of Parliament—Speaker Devraj Ghimire and National Assembly Chair Narayan Dahal—did not attend the swearing-in despite official invitations. Their absence reflected the ongoing divisions among Nepal’s political parties, particularly between the CPN-UML and the Maoist Centre.

The rise of Sushila Karki comes after months of protests led mainly by Nepal’s Gen Z activists. They had demanded action against corruption, dissolution of Parliament, and accountability from leaders. One protest group, We Nepali Group, confirmed that they accepted Karki’s leadership with conditions.

Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah praised the youth protestors, paying tribute to those who lost their lives. He also expressed solidarity with the injured, calling their sacrifices “a guiding force for future generations.”

The protests that led to Oli’s resignation were intense. At least 51 people lost their lives, including three police officers and an Indian woman from Ghaziabad. Many government buildings, including Parliament, were damaged during the unrest.

The protests also hurt Nepal’s economy, which relies heavily on tourism. Hotels reported nearly a 50% decline in business, and prices of essential goods like rice and cooking oil have risen sharply.

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