Nepal Appoints First Female Prime Minister Amidst Protests and Political Upheaval
Kathmandu, Nepal – Nepal has appointed Judy Karki as its first female Prime Minister following days of unrest triggered by a goverment decision to ban social media platforms and fueled by broader discontent with the political establishment. The appointment came after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned, and Parliament was dissolved late Friday, with general elections scheduled for March 5th of next year.
President Ram Chandra Poudel’s press adviser confirmed Karki would take the oath of office Friday evening, following days of consultations and involvement from legal experts. Karki, widely regarded for her clean image, enjoys support from student leaders representing “Gen Z.”
The protests initially erupted last week in response to a ban on 26 social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.However, the demonstrations quickly expanded to reflect deeper frustrations with Nepal’s political elite, spurred by a recent “nepo kid” campaign highlighting the lifestyles of politicians’ children and allegations of corruption. Though the social media ban was lifted Monday night, the protests continued to gain momentum.
Karki’s interim cabinet faces significant challenges, including restoring law and order, reconstructing buildings damaged during clashes – including Parliament – and addressing the demands of protesters while reassuring those concerned about the stability of nepal’s young democracy. A key priority will be bringing those responsible for the violence, which resulted in 19 deaths in Kathmandu, to justice.
The appointment follows compromise talks brokered by Nepal’s army chief. Supporters are expressing thier elation on social media, viewing Karki’s leadership as a step towards a new political direction for the country.Karki visited the protest site in Kathmandu and met with injured individuals earlier this week.
Karki’s background includes close family ties to the Koirala political dynasty within the Nepali Congress party and a marriage to former party leader Durga Subedi.She served as Nepal’s chief justice from 2016 for nearly 11 months, a period that also included an impeachment attempt.
Nepal’s army continues to patrol the streets of Kathmandu, with restrictions briefly lifted to allow residents access to essential items.
