Nepal Appoints First Female Prime Minister to Serve Six Months

September 14, 2025 | 10:02 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Nepal has inaugurated its first female Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

The 73-year-old former Chief Justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court has pledged to serve a short, six-month term, following the resignation of Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, who stepped down amid violent protests.

Karki, in her first public statement, addressed the demands of the younger generation that led the demonstrations.

“We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation. ... What this group is demanding is end of corruption, good governance and economic equality,” she said.

She also called for calm and unity to rebuild the Himalayan nation, which has been rocked by intense protests over the past week. The unrest, known as the Gen Z protests, erupted on September 8 following a brief ban on social media.

The ban sparked outrage among youths, who accused government officials’ children (dubbed “nepo kids”) of flaunting wealth while ordinary citizens face corruption and poverty.

The demonstrations turned deadly and destructive, claiming at least 72 lives, destroying government buildings, and damaging politicians’ homes. Protesters set fire to the parliament and other government offices, while police fired live ammunition and tear gas in attempts to control the crowds. One day alone saw 19 fatalities at the hands of police.

Karki assured senior officials that the families of the deceased protesters would receive compensation of 1 million rupees, and the injured would be cared for. “We all need to get together to rebuild the country,” she said, speaking on government television.

The violence left significant damage in Kathmandu, with the Prime Minister’s office, the presidential office, Supreme Court, key ministries, police stations, and several businesses destroyed. Calm gradually returned after the army took control and negotiations began to form an interim government.

Karki, appointed Prime Minister on September 12, is widely respected for her anti-corruption stance during her tenure as Chief Justice in 2016-2017.

She will lead the country until a new parliamentary election scheduled for March 5, 2026.

Editor’s Choice: Before Nepal, Which State Leaders Got Ousted After Nationwide Protests?

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