Kathmandu, September 13: Nepal’s former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as the country’s interim Prime Minister on Friday night, marking a historic moment as she became Nepal’s first woman to hold the top executive post. The appointment comes after days of political turmoil following the abrupt resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli earlier this week amid widespread protests over corruption and a controversial social media ban.

At 73, Karki brings with her the reputation of being Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice, respected for her judicial integrity and firm stance on accountability. Her elevation to the post was decided after consultations between President Ram Chandra Paudel, Nepal’s top military leadership, and representatives of youth protesters who have been spearheading the so-called “Gen Z movement.”

Karki faces immediate challenges in restoring order on the streets, where protests since Sunday have claimed dozens of lives, while also addressing public anger over corruption and governance failures.

According to officials, Karki will head a small Cabinet that, in its first meeting, will recommend the dissolution of Parliament in line with the consensus reached among stakeholders. “Her leadership is meant to stabilize the country and prepare the ground for a fresh mandate,” said Kiran Pokharel, press advisor to the President.

Before appointing Karki, President Paudel also held consultations with political leaders, legal experts, and civil society representatives to ensure broad-based support for the interim arrangement.

Oli’s resignation followed mounting pressure from the “Gen Z” youth movement, which has demanded an end to favoritism, stronger measures against corruption, and the lifting of restrictions on social media platforms.