Nepal’s First Female Prime Minister Takes Office, President Dissolves Parliament for March Election | WPN World People News

After the bloody turmoil in early September, Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel appointed former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki to lead a transitional government. Karki was sworn in on the 12th, becoming Nepal’s first female prime minister in history.

The political shift was triggered when the government blocked Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms, sparking public protests that quickly escalated into broader anger over corruption, nepotism, and high unemployment. The movement was largely driven by Generation Z, who organized through social media and online forums, demonstrating unprecedented political influence. During the unrest, multiple public buildings in the capital Kathmandu were set on fire, while clashes between police and protesters left at least 51 people dead and thousands injured. The situation spiraled out of control, with demonstrators storming and torching the homes of senior officials. Indian media reported that a former prime minister’s wife was burned to death. Ultimately, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli submitted his resignation to President Paudel on the 9th before fleeing with several cabinet members.

President Paudel immediately announced the dissolution of the House of Representatives and tasked Karki with forming an interim government. Karki, known for her strong anti-corruption stance and commitment to judicial independence during her tenure as chief justice, declared upon taking office that her mandate would be limited to six months. She pledged to stabilize the country and prepare for new parliamentary elections, tentatively scheduled for March 5 next year. Karki emphasized that the transitional government’s top priority would be to respond to young people’s demands for transparency, integrity, and fairness, while investigating responsibility for deaths and injuries during the protests and rebuilding public trust in government. She said: “We will listen to the voices of the new generation. This is not just a transition but the beginning of a new chapter for Nepal.”

However, President Paudel’s decision to dissolve parliament has been challenged by several political parties, including the Communist Party of Nepal, who argue it is unconstitutional and demand the legislature be restored. Protesters, meanwhile, had listed the dissolution of parliament as one of their key demands, fueled by anger at politicians’ lavish lifestyles and corruption. Despite the change in leadership, the country still faces the aftermath of unrest and unresolved security issues, including the pursuit of fugitives after prison riots, compensation for victims, and reconstruction of public facilities. The military’s role during the crisis has also raised concerns about possible political intervention by the armed forces.

The international community has broadly called for calm and stability in Nepal. Neighboring countries such as India and China have expressed both concern and congratulations to the new government, hoping for a smooth transition and urging Nepal to prevent unrest from spilling over its borders.