Sushila Karki, former Chief Justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, was sworn in today as the new interim Prime Minister. She will lead a six-month transitional government until elections can be held. Her appointment was made following fierce anti-corruption protests that led to the resignation of the previous government.
Why Karki Was Selected
Karki was the choice of the “Generation Z” protest movement, which led the recent unrest. The protesters, who are mostly young people, chose her via an online platform, citing her reputation for honesty and integrity. Karki has been vocal about the need for young people to take the lead in fighting corruption, stating that the current system “doesn’t work.” Anil Kumar Sinha, a former Supreme Court judge, affirmed that Karki’s integrity has never been questioned and that she is known for her courage and resistance to pressure.
Karki’s Judicial Background
Karki is the only woman to have served as Chief Justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, a position she held from 2016 to 2017. Throughout her career, she earned a reputation as a fearless jurist who insisted on judicial independence and actively fought against corruption. Her notable actions include sending a sitting minister to jail for corruption in 2012 and her willingness to challenge political decisions, which even led to a failed impeachment attempt against her in 2017.
Protests and Political Instability
The recent protests, sparked by a since-lifted social media ban, were the worst in Nepal’s recent history, resulting in 51 deaths and more than 1,300 injuries. The violence only ceased after the former Prime Minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, resigned. Nepal has faced political and economic instability since its monarchy was abolished in 2008, with millions of its citizens leaving the country in search of employment.
