In a historic moment for Nepal, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, 73, was sworn in as the country’s first woman prime minister on Friday night, tasked with leading an interim government to navigate the Himalayan nation out of a turbulent political crisis. The appointment follows the resignation of former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, whose government collapsed amid widespread protests sparked by a controversial social media ban.
President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office to Karki in a ceremony attended by Nepal’s chief justice, senior government officials, security chiefs, and members of the diplomatic corps. The interim government, mandated to organize fresh parliamentary elections within six months, marks a turning point after weeks of unrest that left at least 51 people dead, including an Indian national and three policemen, according to Nepal police.
The protests, led by the youth-driven "Gen Z" movement, initially erupted over the government’s social media ban but quickly escalated into a broader outcry against corruption, nepotism, and the lavish lifestyles of Nepal’s political elite. Although the ban was lifted on Monday, the demonstrations intensified, culminating in Oli’s resignation under what he described as “extraordinary circumstances” to pave the way for a constitutional resolution.
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Karki, a respected figure known for her integrity and legal acumen, emerged as the consensus choice after intense negotiations involving President Paudel, Nepal Army officials, and Gen Z protest leaders. Educated at Banaras Hindu University, Karki’s reputation as a no-nonsense jurist has fueled hopes that she can stabilize the nation. Sources indicate her first cabinet meeting will likely recommend dissolving Parliament, fulfilling an agreement reached during talks with youth leaders.
India, a key neighbor, welcomed Karki’s appointment. “We are hopeful this will foster peace and stability,” said India’s Ministry of External Affairs, pledging continued cooperation with Nepal to promote mutual prosperity.
The political crisis has taken a heavy toll. Nepal’s tourism-driven economy, particularly its hotel industry, has suffered losses exceeding 25 billion Nepalese rupees, with the Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu reporting damages of over 8 billion rupees due to vandalism and looting during the protests, according to the Hotel Association Nepal. The Nepalese Army, which assumed control of security after Oli’s resignation, extended prohibitory orders in the Kathmandu Valley but has begun easing restrictions to restore normalcy.
The Gen Z protesters’ demands for accountability and an end to systemic corruption have struck a chord across Nepal, where public frustration with the political elite has simmered for years. “This is a chance for real change,” said a youth leader involved in the negotiations. “We trust Karki to lead with fairness, but we’ll keep watching.”
Nepal’s Speaker of the House, Devaraj Ghimire, and National Assembly Chairman Narayan Dahal issued a joint statement urging all parties to resolve the deadlock within the framework of the constitution. “The rule of law must guide us,” they said, emphasizing the need for a stronger, more resilient democracy.
To address the plight of stranded foreign nationals, Nepalese authorities have introduced temporary visa relief measures. International travelers with visas valid through September 8 can now obtain exit permits without additional fees, according to immigration officials.
As Karki steps into her role, the challenges ahead are immense. Restoring public trust, curbing corruption, and preparing for fair elections will test her leadership in a nation reeling from division and loss. Yet, her historic appointment as Nepal’s first woman prime minister offers a glimmer of hope for a country eager for change.
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