Ex-CJ Sushila Karki sworn in as Nepal’s first woman prime minister

The former chief justice known for anti corruption role now leads caretaker government after Gen Z protests

Former chief justice Sushila Karki has made history by taking oath as Nepal’s first female prime minister, stepping into the role of interim head of government.

She was sworn in at the president’s office in Kathmandu at 9pm local time on Friday.

Following her swearing-in, it was announced that Nepal’s next general election will be held on Mar 5, 2026.

According to NDTV, the decision to appoint Karki came after consensus was reached in talks involving Nepal’s Gen-Z activists, President Ram Chandra Paudel, and Army Chief Gen Ashok Raj Sigdel.

The Office of the President later confirmed her as the new prime minister.

Karki had earlier made history as Nepal’s first woman chief justice, a post she held from 2016 to 2017.

She remains popular among younger generations, who spearheaded the movement that toppled the KP Sharma Oli government.

Known for her integrity, impartiality and firm commitment to justice, Karki gained wide recognition for her uncompromising stance against corruption.

During her tenure in the judiciary, she did not shy away from confronting the government, including sending a sitting minister to jail.