Nepal’s former Chief Justice Sushila Karki on Friday took oath as Nepal’s first Prime Minister. The announcement was made by the office of President Ramchandra Paudel announced on Friday.
The decision to place Karki at the helm of affairs comes days after Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli abruptly resigned earlier this week following violent youth-led protests.
Karki, 73, scripted history as Nepal’s first woman prime minister. Widely respected for her tenure as the country’s first woman Chief Justice, she was chosen after consultations between President Paudel, Nepal’s top military leadership, and youth protesters who spearheaded the anti-government demonstrations.
Kiran Pokharel, the president’s press advisor, confirmed that Karki took her oath of office at 9 pm.
Political Deadlock and Protest Demands
Speaker of Nepal’s House of Representatives Devaraj Ghimire and National Assembly Chairman Narayan Dahal earlier issued a joint statement urging that the ongoing crisis be resolved “within the framework of the Constitution.” They said, “The rule of law and constitutionalism must not be bypassed,” and called for all parties to address protesters’ demands for an end to corruption, political disorder, and nepotism.
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The Gen Z-led agitation, which also demanded the lifting of social media bans, turned violent, leaving at least 51 people dead, including three policemen and one Indian national, according to Nepal Police. Senior Superintendent of Police Ramesh Thapa confirmed the figures to The Kathmandu Post.
Prohibitory orders were enforced across the Kathmandu Valley as the Army worked to restore order. On Thursday, restrictions were extended in three districts, though limited movement has been permitted as normalcy gradually returns.
Heavy Economic Losses Amid Protests
The Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) reported that the tourism-driven hotel industry suffered losses exceeding 25 billion Nepalese rupees due to vandalism, looting, and arson during the protests. The Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu alone reported damages of over Rs 8 billion, according to My Republica.
Meanwhile, Nepalese authorities announced temporary relief for stranded foreign nationals. International travellers whose visas were valid through September 8 can now obtain exit permits and extend or regularise visas without paying additional fees, The Himalayan Times reported.
