Sushila Karki Assumes Role as Nepal’s Interim Prime Minister

Nepal’s political landscape has shifted dramatically with the appointment of Sushila Karki as the country’s interim Prime Minister. Karki, a former Chief Justice, officially took office at 11:00 am on Sunday at Singha Durbar. Her swearing-in follows a wave of protests driven largely by the country’s youth, who expressed their discontent over political stagnation, corruption, and economic inequality.

The protests were sparked by a controversial ban on social media platforms, which galvanized the Gen Z movement. In a rare display of consensus within Nepali politics, Karki was nominated by demonstrators who cited her integrity as a key reason for their support. She stepped into the role following the resignation of KP Sharma Oli, which came in the wake of intensified civil unrest.

Consultations and Cabinet Formation

As she prepares to establish her government, Karki has begun consultations with close advisors and prominent figures from the Gen Z movement. Reports from The Kathmandu Post indicate that Karki is set to hold intensive discussions on Sunday morning to finalize her Cabinet. Although she has the authority to appoint ministers to all 25 ministries, Karki aims to create a streamlined Cabinet consisting of no more than 15 ministers, aligning with calls from various civil society groups and protest leaders.

Potential candidates for ministerial positions are already being discussed. Names in contention include legal expert Om Prakash Aryal, former army official Balananda Sharma, retired justice Anand Mohan Bhattarai, and energy specialist Kulman Ghising. Additionally, prominent medical professionals such as Dr Bhagawan Koirala and Dr Sanduk Ruit are also under consideration.

Members of the Gen Z movement are concurrently holding discussions on platforms like Discord to recommend candidates who reflect their reformist goals. If an agreement is reached, the new Cabinet could be sworn in as early as Sunday evening, though this timeline may be subject to change based on the outcomes of ongoing negotiations.

Political Context and Upcoming Elections

On the same day Karki was sworn in, Nepal’s Parliament was officially dissolved, with fresh elections now scheduled for March 5, 2026. This decision was announced by the President’s Office shortly after Karki’s inaugural cabinet meeting, which occurred at 23:00 local time. This marks the beginning of a six-month transitional government, tasked with guiding the nation towards the upcoming elections.

Karki’s leadership represents a critical juncture for Nepal, offering hope for political renewal amid significant public demand for change. Her appointment has been characterized by many as a move towards greater stability and accountability in a country that has faced considerable challenges in recent years. As Karki embarks on this new chapter, the eyes of both her supporters and critics will be focused on her ability to navigate the complexities of governance while addressing the pressing concerns of the Nepali people.