Sushila Karki sworn in as Nepal’s first woman Prime Minister

In a historic first for Nepal, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as the country’s Prime Minister on Sep 12 night, becoming the first woman to hold the top post.

The 73-year-old veteran jurist assumes office at a time of deep political instability, following the collapse of the K P Sharma Oli government and violent protests that left at least 20 dead and saw homes of political leaders attacked.

President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath while also dissolving the House of Representatives and mandating fresh parliamentary elections within six months.

Karki’s appointment marks a break from Nepal’s mainstream political establishment, with major parties including the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), and Maoist Centre boycotting the swearing-in. Instead, her rise has been backed by Gen Z protest groups and Kathmandu’s independent mayor Balendra Shah, reflecting a generational push against entrenched party politics.

Hours before taking office, Karki declared she would accept the role only if empowered to launch an impartial probe into corruption in high places and investigate police excesses that fueled the unrest. “I will not be interested in the job if my hands and legs are tied,” she said, challenging the political old guard.

Karki is expected to expand her Cabinet on September 13, with energy reformer Kul Man Ghising tipped to become Energy Minister and lawyer Om Prakash Aryal likely joining as well. The new cabinet is not expected to include representatives from the dominant parties.

India, responding swiftly, welcomed the formation of the interim government. The Ministry of External Affairs called Karki’s appointment a step towards “peace and stability” and reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment as a close neighbor and development partner.

Notably, none of Nepal’s former Prime Ministers, except Baburam Bhattarai, attended the ceremony — many still under army protection after this week’s violent upheavals.

President Paudel, who initially resisted dissolving Parliament, said the extraordinary measures were taken in line with the aspirations of youth-led protests demanding sweeping political change.

The Nepal Army, led by General Ashok Raj Sigdel, played a key role in mediating between youth groups and leaders to clear the way for Karki’s interim leadership.

Karki’s first challenge is formidable: restoring order on the streets, reining in violence, and steering the country toward elections while confronting corruption and mistrust in politics. Her swearing-in may be a turning point in Nepal’s turbulent democratic journey or the start of yet another bitter struggle for stability.