Image Source : Sri Lanka Guardian
In a historic turn of events, Nepal witnessed a sweeping political transformation over a 27-hour period that culminated in the appointment of Sushila Karki as the country’s first female prime minister. The rapid upheaval, driven by Gen Z-led protests against corruption and entrenched political privilege, has reshaped the Himalayan nation’s leadership and ignited a new wave of civic engagement.
Karki, a former chief justice known for her integrity and judicial activism, was sworn in on September 12, 2025, following the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. Her appointment was backed by a decentralized youth movement that gained momentum through online platforms and street demonstrations, demanding accountability and reform.
Key Highlights From Nepal’s Political Shift
- Sushila Karki sworn in as Nepal’s interim prime minister on September 12, 2025
- First woman to hold the office in Nepal’s history
- Appointment follows 27 hours of intense protests and political collapse
- Gen Z demonstrators forced out PM Oli through coordinated civil unrest
- Discord polls and grassroots mobilization played key roles in leadership selection
- Karki tasked with forming a caretaker cabinet and preparing elections within six months
Origins Of The Uprising
The revolution began as peaceful student-led rallies on September 8, sparked by the government’s decision to block 26 social media platforms. The move was widely seen as an attempt to suppress dissent and control public discourse. Anger quickly escalated into nationwide protests targeting corruption, inequality, and the dominance of political dynasties.
By September 9, demonstrators had breached police barricades, torched government buildings, and ransacked homes of senior politicians. The death toll rose to 61, with over 1,000 injured, making it one of the bloodiest episodes since Nepal’s monarchy was abolished in 2008.
The movement was fueled by frustration over stalled reforms and the lavish lifestyles of political elites and their children, dubbed “nepo kids” by protestors. The uprising exposed deep cracks in the ruling coalition and forced a rapid leadership transition.
Profile Of Nepal’s New Leader
Sushila Karki, 73, brings decades of legal experience and public service to her new role. Born in Biratnagar, she earned her law degree from Tribhuvan University and served as a law lecturer before entering the judiciary. In 2016, she became Nepal’s first female chief justice, earning a reputation for bold verdicts and resistance to political interference.
Her tenure was marked by landmark rulings, including the reversal of politically motivated appointments. In 2017, she faced an impeachment attempt that was later dropped, with international observers calling it politically driven. Karki retired that year but remained a respected voice in legal and civic circles.
Her appointment as interim prime minister was not the result of party negotiations but a direct response to public demand. She received the highest support in a Discord poll organized by protest leaders and was sworn in by President Ramchandra Paudel at Sheetal Niwas.
Caretaker Government And Reform Agenda
Karki’s immediate task is to form a caretaker cabinet and oversee preparations for national elections scheduled for March 2026. Her administration is expected to include reform-minded figures such as constitutional lawyer Om Prakash Aryal and former energy chief Kulman Ghising.
Key priorities include:
- Restoring law and order after days of violent unrest
- Launching anti-corruption investigations into former officials
- Rebuilding damaged government infrastructure
- Ensuring free and fair elections within six months
- Reopening access to blocked digital platforms and safeguarding civil liberties
Public Sentiment And Global Reaction
Karki’s rise has been met with cautious optimism. Supporters gathered outside the presidential office during her oath-taking ceremony, celebrating the moment while acknowledging the challenges ahead. International observers have praised the peaceful transfer of power and called for continued democratic engagement.
The Gen Z movement behind the revolution has vowed to remain active, forming a Genzi Advisory Committee to support the interim government and monitor its progress.
Sources: The Diplomat, Al Jazeera, India Today
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