Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki sworn in as interim Prime Minister, Nepal's first female leader

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been sworn in as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister, becoming the country’s first female leader. Her appointment follows the resignation of KP Sharma Oli amid widespread protests and political unrest, and is intended to guide Nepal through a transitional period until a new government is formed. Karki, who previously served as the nation’s first female Chief Justice, brings extensive legal and administrative experience to the role, and her leadership is widely seen as a symbol of progress for gender equality in Nepalese politics. Her mandate focuses on restoring political stability, ensuring transparent governance, and facilitating a smooth transition to a fully elected government while addressing urgent national issues. The significance of Karki’s appointment extends beyond the immediate political context. Domestically, it represents a historic milestone for women’s leadership in Nepal and is likely to inspire greater female participation in public life and governance. Her legal background is expected to reinforce institutional integrity and accountability, particularly in a period marked by protests, corruption concerns, and public demands for reform. Politically, the interim administration under Karki aims to rebuild trust between the government, civil society, and the electorate, while managing economic and social challenges. International observers have welcomed the move as a positive step toward inclusive governance and stability in Nepal. Overall, Sushila Karki’s tenure as interim Prime Minister signals both a historic achievement for gender representation and a critical effort to navigate Nepal through a period of political transition and reform.