Sushila Karki sworn in as Nepal's interim prime minister

Former Supreme Court chief justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as Nepal’s interim prime minister on Friday, ending days of political uncertainty after mass youth protests toppled the government of K.P. Sharma Oli and prompted President Ramchandra Paudel to dissolve parliament. The 73 year old, who took the oath at the President’s Office, was appointed following negotiations between the president, leaders of the Gen Z protest movement and senior security officials, and will lead a caretaker administration tasked with restoring order and preparing fresh elections on March 5, 2026, the presidential office announced.

Karki’s elevation was unusual. Gen Z activists who led the antigraft demonstrations used an online forum on the messaging app Discord to debate and endorse candidates, and representatives of that movement recommended Karki during talks with the president and the Nepal Army chief, officials said. Supporters point to her reputation for taking a tough line on corruption during her tenure as Nepal’s first woman chief justice. In her first public remarks after assuming office she said she had not sought the post and pledged that the interim government would not remain longer...