A Nation Transformed by Protest
Nepal has entered a new political chapter with the swearing-in of Sushila Karki as its first female prime minister. Her appointment follows a week of unprecedented youth-led demonstrations that toppled the government of KP Sharma Oli and forced the dissolution of parliament. The protests, sparked by a social media ban but fueled by deeper anger over corruption and nepotism, drew tens of thousands of young people to the streets.
The demonstrations turned deadly when security forces opened fire on civilians, leaving 21 dead. The violence galvanized the movement, and within days, parliament buildings and ministerial homes were set ablaze. Oli, long criticized as authoritarian and out of touch, was forced to resign, ending his fourth term in office.
From Chief Justice to National Leader
Karki, once Nepal’s first female chief justice, is known for her uncompromising stance against corruption. Her judicial record included high-profile cases targeting ministers and police officials, which often placed her in conflict with powerful political figures. After her retirement, she remained active in civil society, speaking out against entrenched political malpractice.
Her nomination by representatives of the gen Z protesters was unexpected yet widely welcomed. Many see her as a credible figure capable of restoring integrity and guiding an interim government through a time of crisis. She has already condemned the violent crackdown on demonstrators as a massacre, earning respect among the younger generation.
Dissolution of Parliament and Military Pressure
Although Karki’s candidacy gained rapid support, the path to her appointment was not smooth. Established political parties initially resisted calls to dissolve parliament, creating fears of a political deadlock. The situation shifted when Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel warned that the military would impose a state of emergency unless a resolution was found. Faced with growing instability, party leaders agreed to dissolve parliament and endorse Karki as interim leader.
Karki will now head a council of ministers until new elections are organized. The structure and powers of this interim government are still under discussion, but expectations from the public remain high.
Demands for Justice and Reform
Protest leaders are pressing for immediate inquiries into corruption allegations against Oli and his ministers, as well as accountability for the civilian deaths during the demonstrations. Balendra Shah, the young mayor of Kathmandu and a prominent supporter of the youth movement, has thrown his weight behind Karki, signaling growing political momentum for reform.
While Karki’s appointment has brought a measure of relief, the challenges ahead are immense. Protesters demand systemic change, not just new leadership. Calls for investigations, anti-corruption drives, and broader political reforms dominate the agenda. Youth leaders stress that her role should not only stabilize the nation but also lay the foundation for long-term transformation.
Nepal now stands at a crossroads. For many, the transition marks a shift from destruction toward construction, as younger generations seek to uproot corruption and rebuild trust in political institutions. The path will be complex and fraught with resistance, but for the first time in decades, a new wave of leadership appears poised to reshape the country’s future.