Sushila Karki sworn in as Nepal's interim Prime Minister

KATHMANMDU, Sept 12: Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki took oath as the Prime Minister of an interim Government in Nepal on Friday after KP Sharma Oli was toppled in a two-day, violent Gen Z revolution against a corrupt ruling amalgam of self-seeking polticians and bureaucrats that thrived at the expense of a majority reeling under excruciating poverty.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at Sheetal Niwas, the Presidential residence in Kathmandu, where President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office under Article 80 of the Constitution.

Dressed in a crimson sari, Karki bowed with folded hands to a gathering of diplomats, officials and the Gen Z protesters.

Karki, 73, assumes leadership of an interim Government tasked with steering Nepal toward fresh elections scheduled for March 21, 2026.

Her appointment follows the resignation of Oli, who stepped down after violent protests erupted in response to a controversial social media ban and that capped mounting public anger over corruption and nepotism.

The protests, led primarily by young Nepalis, escalated rapidly. What began as digital dissent over the lifestyles of political elites’ children—dubbed “Nepo Kids”—turned into a full-blown revolt. Within 72 hours, demonstrators torched Parliament, Supreme Court buildings, PM, President, Ministers, other politicians and the lot of glorified clerks' residences. They hounded and beat up the Ministers, clashed with the police, leading to intervention by the military. At least 50 people were killed, including 21 protesters and three police officers, in the two days of violence.

Karki’s rise to power is as unconventional as it is historic. A former law lecturer-turned jurist, she became Nepal’s first female Chief Justice in 2016 and earned a reputation for her zero-tolerance on corruption. Her judicial legacy includes bold verdicts that challenged political interference, including a landmark decision overturning the Government’s appointment of a police chief—an act that nearly led to her impeachment.

“She has a spine,” said Anjali Sah, a 24-year-old law student. “We want someone who’s incorruptible and not a political opportunist. She fits that category for us”.

President Paudel’s decision to appoint Karki followed intense consultations with military leaders, youth representatives and civil society figures.

Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai was the only ex-leader present at the ceremony, underscoring the generational shift in Nepal’s political landscape.

As celebrations erupted outside the presidential compound, social media lit up with messages of hope and pride. “Thanks to Gen Z, who made this happen,” read one viral post. Another declared, “Now my country will operate with the love, sacrifice and affection of the mother”.

Karki now faces the daunting task of restoring stability, rebuilding trust and preparing the nation for the elections.

Her appointment marks not just a change of guard, but a cultural reckoning in a country long defined by elite dominance.