Kathmandu, Nepal – It was a record-breaking moment when Nepal’s new PM, Sushila Karki, was made the interim Prime Minister on 12 September 2025, after mass protests and political upheaval. She is the first woman to serve as Nepal’s Prime Minister, bringing an end to the rule of K. P. Sharma Oli after his resignation.
Background and Trigger Events
The selection of Nepal’s new PM is the result of mass protests initiated by young activists in majority—referred to as the “Gen Z protests”—due to social media curbs, corruption, nepotism, and economic disparity. The government of the previous Prime Minister Oli had fallen apart with the protests. There were fatalities, injuries, and heavy incidents in the capital city, Kathmandu.
About Nepal’s New PM: Sushila Karki
Sushila Karki, 73, is a former Chief Justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court. She is known for her anti-corruption image and her independent mindset and was selected by protest leaders and subsequently appointed by President Ram Chandra Poudel. As Nepal’s new Prime Minister, Karki heads an interim government tasked with restoring order and getting the country back on track to holding fresh elections.
Key Priorities & Next Steps
- Political Stability – The first priority of Nepal new PM’s new government is to soothe political instability and hear out protesters’ demands.
- Compensation and Justice – Karki has already stated that martyr status will be awarded to those killed in the protests and compensation will be given to their families.
- Election Schedule – Nepal’s newly formed PM government is interim; general elections are to be held on 5 March 2026. The parliament has already been dissolved and must be held within the constitutional timeline.
Implications of the Appointment
The appointment of Nepal new PM Sushila Karki is significant not only for her gender but also for the precedent it sets in Nepal’s democratic journey. It reflects the growing influence of youth activism, the demand for accountability, and the public’s intolerance of corruption and misuse of power. Her interim government faces tough challenges: rebuilding public trust, ensuring security, reviving governance, and delivering economic relief.
Conclusion
Nepal’s new PM, Sushila Karki, took office at a pivotal time in the country’s history. As the first female prime minister, she has on her shoulders the aspirations of many who crave change—change in governance, justice, and democratic practices. With elections soon to be held and the country in need of healing, success for her caretaker government will rest strongly on transparency, responsiveness, and regaining the trust of Nepal’s people.
