Nepal’s first female prime minister was sworn in as interim leader on Friday, closing out a turbulent week in which a massive, deadly youth-led protest against corruption and nepotism overcame the country’s leadership and plunged the nation into political chaos.
The 73-year-old former Supreme Court Justice Sushira Kalki, who began as a social media demonstration against the luxurious lifestyle of “Nepo Kids,” was a unlikely choice for “Gen Z” protesters who are on the streets and are behind the fatal, unrest-rising movement Nepal has seen for years.
Protesters signaled support for Kalki through an informal vote on discrepancies in messaging apps.
India’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the announcement, saying it was “full of hope” that the change “will help promote peace and stability.”
“As our neighbours, fellow democracy and long-term development partners, India will continue to work closely with Nepal for the happiness and prosperity of our two people and our country,” the ministry’s statement said.
A statement from the President Ram Chandra Pauder’s office states that he has dissolved Congress over Kalki’s recommendations, and a new election is scheduled for March 5, 2026.
Although Kalki spent much of her career in the very establishment of young people protesting, her reputation as a fearless and non-corrupted jurisprudence appealed to many young people in the country of 30 million.
“We want someone who is honest and not politically opportunistic. She fits into that category for us,” said Viraj Arial, an aspiring chartered accountant, 28.
“She was a judge, so she is well versed in the laws and systems of the land. We are confident that she can provide a safe landing for us from this crisis,” he added.
“She showed she had a spine,” Anjali Sa, a 24-year-old law student, told CNN. “She is also the first woman in Nepal, and hopes that the women leading this country will help set things up in an orderly manner and reduce corruption.”
Kathmandu-based public policy analyst Binai Mishra said Kalki has been “very vocal recently, especially regarding the politicization of the judiciary and the partial appointment of judges.”
She has grown her height over the past few months, he added.
Born in Moran district in eastern Nepal, Kalki built a legal career that culminated in 2016 with her historic appointment as Nepal’s first female chief judge. It became known for its zero-tolerance approach to corruption during his tenure at the helm of the judiciary.
A year after her appointment, Kalki faced a motion for each of the ruling coalitions after her bench overturned the government’s choice for the police chief.
The allegations were withdrawn after considerable public and judicial backlash. This is an episode that solidifies her image as a guardian of institutional integrity to the executives of Overreach.
The Himalayan countries have been brewed in the Himalayan countries for years for the country’s worsening unemployment and lack of economic opportunities for young people.
The current match of Nepal’s political unrest began in early September, when a group of young Nepalis had a hard time making up for most people, organising peaceful protests, seeing politician children posting about designer handbags and luxury trips.
Last week, the government banned it on more than 20 social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. Fuel has been added to the fire.
Amidst the astonishing political developments, protesters ignited important national symbols of the Congress and the Supreme Court, forcing KP Prime Minister Sharma Oli to resign.
Nepal Police spokesman Binod Gimeer has killed 50 people, including 21 protesters, three police officers and 27 others. More than 1,700 people have been injured in the clash, according to the Ministry of Health and Population.
