KATHMANDU, Sept 12 — In a powerful response to the rising voices of Nepal’s Gen Z youth, the country is poised to take a historic step by appointing former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as its interim prime minister.
This development comes on the heels of one of Nepal’s most turbulent weeks in recent memory. Widespread anti-corruption protests, primarily led by youth and fueled through social media, culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. The unrest, initially triggered by a controversial social media ban (now lifted), left 34 dead and more than 1,300 injured.
The protests, which shook the political elite, became a lightning rod for public frustration over corruption, censorship, and economic stagnation. For the Gen Z generation—young, digitally connected, and politically awakened—this moment became a defining stand against systemic dysfunction.
Amid negotiations for stability, President Ramchandra Paudel, alongside Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, consulted legal and constitutional experts to identify a neutral figure to lead a transitional government. All signs now point to Sushila Karki, a respected jurist known for her clean image and fearless judgments.
“She is the face of integrity,” said a source involved in the high-level discussions, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Gen Z wants her. They trust her. And this appointment is happening today.”
A formal decision is expected after a key meeting at the president’s residence, scheduled for 9 a.m. local time (0315 GMT). While no official statement has been made yet, insiders close to the process are confident.
In the aftermath of Oli’s resignation, Kathmandu is slowly regaining its rhythm. Streets once filled with smoke and chaos are now seeing life return — shops reopening, vehicles moving, and police switching from guns to batons. The presence of soldiers remains, albeit in reduced numbers, as peace cautiously reclaims the city.
A Turning Point for Nepal
This is not just a political change—it’s a generational shift. The appointment of Karki, if finalized, would be the result of unfiltered youth power pushing for transparency and accountability.
For a country long plagued by political instability, economic migration, and institutional mistrust, this moment belongs to the people, especially the youth who dared to demand better. Sushila Karki’s leadership symbolizes hope—not just for Gen Z, but for all Nepalis yearning for a new beginning.
