Background and Resignation
Nepal's Prime Minister, Khadga Prasad Oli, resigned on September 9, 2025, amid a backdrop of violent protests that saw the homes of top political leaders set on fire. The protests, which began as a demonstration against a ban on social media platforms and allegations of government corruption, escalated into a nationwide crisis. On the day prior to Oli's resignation, police opened fire on protesters in the capital city of Kathmandu, resulting in the deaths of 19 individuals.
In his resignation letter to President Ram Chandra Poudel, Oli stated, "In view of the adverse situation in the country, I have resigned effective today to facilitate the solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution." The homes of several high-profile leaders, including Poudel and Sher Bahadur Deuba, the leader of the largest party in the Nepali Congress, were among those targeted by protesters.
Appointment of Interim Leader
Following Oli's resignation, the youth leaders of Nepal's protest movement proposed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to serve as the country's interim prime minister. This decision was made during a nearly four-hour virtual meeting attended by between 300 and 400 participants of the protest movement. Karki, who is 73 years old and the only woman to have held the position of Chief Justice of Nepal's Supreme Court, was sworn in as the interim prime minister on September 12, 2025.
Karki's appointment marks a significant milestone for Nepal, as she becomes the country's first female prime minister. Her immediate focus, as stated during her address, will be to honor those who died in the protests and address the protesters' demands, including those related to government corruption and social media freedoms.
International Reactions and Support
The international community has begun to react to Karki's appointment. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Karki on assuming her new role, stating that India is committed to Nepal's progress. This development underscores the regional and international attention Nepal's political developments are receiving.
Implications and Future Directions
The transition of power in Nepal and the appointment of Sushila Karki as interim prime minister have significant implications for the country's political landscape. With fresh elections scheduled for March next year, Karki's interim government will need to navigate the challenges of restoring stability, addressing the grievances of protesters, and ensuring a smooth transition of power.
Conclusion
The events in Nepal over the past week have led to a significant shift in the country's leadership and have raised important questions about governance, accountability, and the role of protests in political change. As Nepal moves forward under its new interim leadership, the international community watches closely, recognizing the potential for these developments to impact not just Nepal but the broader region.