Sushila Karki Becomes Nepal’s First Female PM as Political Crisis Deepens
President appoints Karki after Gen Z protests; interim government readies emergency measures and Feb 21 election date.
Newly Elected Prime Minister Sushila Karki Takes Oath Amid Political Uncertainty
Newly elected Prime Minister Sushila Karki has taken the oath of office and secrecy from the President.
Amid rising uncertainty, President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed Karki as Prime Minister in line with the demand of the protesting Gen Z Party.
Suresh Chandra Chalise, the President’s Foreign Affairs Advisor, said:
"The President has appointed Sushila Karki as Prime Minister based on the spirit of the Constitution."
Having already made history as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, Karki has now become the first woman to serve as Prime Minister.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by senior leaders, dignitaries, and officials, though several key figures from major parties were absent, reportedly under military protection.
Dissolution of the House of Representatives and Elections
The protesting party had demanded the dissolution of the House of Representatives.
When asked, Presidential Press Advisor Kiran Pokhrel said:
"The President will move forward in consultation with the Council of Ministers."
Advisor Chalise confirmed that dissolution was part of the agreement but did not elaborate further, saying the step was taken to manage the “uncomfortable and unusual” political situation.
According to reports, the Council of Ministers will recommend dissolving the House in its upcoming meeting. Preparations are also underway to declare a state of emergency and announce election dates.
It is believed that President Paudel’s actions may resolve the leadership vacuum and related confusion. However, some observers note that how Gen Z leaders and political parties react, and what decisions the new government makes, will shape Nepal’s political future.
Reactions from CPN-UML
Leaders of the CPN-UML, who were forced out of power, expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged agreement to dissolve parliament.
UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel wrote on Facebook:
"It is ironic that those who once called the dissolution of parliament unconstitutional when a majority Prime Minister did it are now moving toward dissolution themselves. We must remain vigilant and cautious."
Party MP Surya Thapa called the day a “Black Day.”
Reports indicate that some leaders, after consulting the President, proposed forming a new government that would extend the House’s life as much as possible. Others argued instead for prioritizing the constitutional framework for government formation.
Meanwhile, leaders of the CPN-Maoist Center reportedly held a virtual meeting and condemned the appointment. Both parties’ leaders are said to be under military protection.
International Reactions
India, the UK, Japan, and the United Nations reacted Friday night to the appointment of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as Prime Minister.
The reactions came after the sudden ouster of the previous government by the Gen Z Movement and the dissolution of the House of Representatives.
The new government has announced February 21 as the date for parliamentary elections.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in posts on social media in Nepali, Hindi, and English, congratulated the new Prime Minister:
"Heartfelt congratulations to Madam Sushila Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of Nepal’s interim government. India is fully committed to peace, development, and prosperity for our brothers and sisters in Nepal."
At the swearing-in ceremony at Sheetal Niwas on Friday evening, ambassadors from the U.S., China, India, and other countries were present. Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava, U.S. Ambassador Dean Thompson, and Chinese Ambassador Chen Song congratulated the new Prime Minister.
The British Embassy in Kathmandu called Karki’s appointment as interim PM an “important step” following the tragic deaths, injuries, and destruction caused in recent days.
"As Nepal’s oldest friend, the UK is committed to supporting the country’s aspirations for a responsive and inclusive government," the embassy stated.
Japan expressed strong hope for a peaceful and democratic transition in Nepal.
"We welcome the appointment of Madam Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister by President Ram Chandra Paudel, and see it as an important step toward change," read Japan’s statement, adding that it will continue supporting Nepal’s development and prosperity.
United Nations Response
UN Resident Coordinator in Kathmandu, Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, said in a statement:
"At this critical moment, the UN stands with the people of Nepal for peace, justice, transparency, accountability, and development."
She praised President Ram Chandra Paudel, Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, and Gen Z youth leaders for their role in making the transition possible, while also honoring those who lost their lives during the movement.
She expressed best wishes for the new Prime Minister, acknowledging the heavy responsibility she assumes at such a sensitive time.
The UN reiterated its commitment to supporting Nepal’s stability, human rights, and sustainable development for the well-being of its people.
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