Nepal has entered a period of political transition with the appointment of Sushila Karki as the country’s new interim prime minister. The former Supreme Court chief justice, known for her relatively clean reputation in public service, assumed office after weeks of unrest that left at least 72 people dead and nearly 200 injured.
The conflict was triggered on 8 September, when a social media ban imposed by the government of ousted Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli sparked widespread anger. Days later, the protests turned violent, resulting in the burning of the parliament and attacks on the residences of several politicians. Officials confirmed the deaths of three police officers and reported 191 injuries from the government’s chief secretary.
The youth of Nepal initiated the demonstrations, leading thousands of marchers under the banner of the “Gen Z movement.” The youth of Nepal centered their requests on eliminating corruption, promoting good governance, and achieving economic equality.
Activists used the chat platform Discord to collectively name Karki as their preferred leader, a choice she has acknowledged publicly.
Karki, who faced an impeachment attempt during her tenure as chief justice, has stated that she did not seek this role but accepted it due to the public’s demand, promising to serve no longer than six months, with elections scheduled for 5 March 2026 following the dissolution of parliament by President Ram Chandra Poudel. “We will not stay here more than six months in any situation,” Karki said, pledging to hand power over to the next government once elected.
Her new administration now faces a series of immediate challenges: restoring law and order, rebuilding damaged parliamentary structures, and reassuring both the protesters and citizens concerned about the stability of Nepal’s young democracy. Karki reiterated the importance of teamwork in rebuilding the country, noting that the protests signified profound dissatisfaction with Nepal’s persistent economic challenges.
Even with the lifting of social media restrictions, protests persisted, driven by widespread dissatisfaction with governance and inequality. The turmoil has allegedly been the worst since the conclusion of the ten-year civil war and the dissolution of the monarchy in 2008.
Karki’s leadership will be judged on her ability to stabilize the nation ahead of the March elections. Her ability to address the grievances of Nepal’s younger generation could determine whether the transition eases tensions or ushers in further unrest.
