Who is Sushila Karki, Nepal’s New Interim Prime Minister?

Sushila Karki has recently made history by becoming Nepal’s first female interim prime minister at the age of 73. Her appointment comes in the wake of significant youth-led protests against political corruption in the country, which have resulted in a tumultuous political landscape and calls for reform. This article explores Karki’s background, her rise to power, and the challenges she faces in her new role.

Early Life and Education

Born in June 1952 in Biratnagar, a city located approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles) southeast of Kathmandu, Karki has a rich academic background. She attended Mahendra Morang College in Biratnagar, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree by the age of 20. Karki furthered her education in India, earning a Master’s degree from Banaras Hindu University. Upon returning to Nepal, she completed her law degree at Tribhuvan University in 1978, which set the foundation for her distinguished career in law and public service.

A Career Marked by Integrity

Karki’s professional journey has been characterized by her commitment to justice and integrity. She served as a lawyer and later taught law at Mahendra Multiple Campus in Dharan, a city in eastern Nepal. Her ascent to prominence began when she was appointed as the Chief Justice of Nepal, a position she held until her controversial impeachment attempt in 2017. This impeachment was triggered by a Supreme Court ruling under her leadership that overturned the appointment of Jaya Bahadur Chand as police chief, favoring Nawaraj Silwal instead.

Despite the political pressures she faced, Karki’s reputation for resisting corruption has resonated with the younger generation in Nepal. Yog Raj Lamichhane, an assistant professor at Pokhara University, noted that Karki’s image as a figure of integrity and resistance has made her a symbol of hope for many young protesters.

The Rise of the ‘Gen Z’ Movement

The recent protests that led to Karki’s appointment were fueled by widespread anger over political corruption and the lavish lifestyles of the children of government officials, often referred to as “Nepo kids.” These demonstrations began on September 8, with thousands of young people taking to the streets in Kathmandu and other cities. The group Hami Nepal, which organized the protests, utilized the messaging application Discord to mobilize participants, drawing in around 10,000 individuals, including many from the Nepali diaspora.

The protests escalated quickly, leading to violent clashes with security forces and resulting in numerous casualties. As tensions rose, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, paving the way for Karki’s appointment on September 12.

Karki’s Appointment and Immediate Challenges

Following her appointment, Karki addressed the nation, stating, “I did not come to this position because I had sought it, but because there were voices from the streets demanding that Sushila Karki should be given the responsibility.” Her first task as interim prime minister is to lead a transitional government until snap elections are scheduled for March 2026, which were announced alongside the dissolution of the 275-seat parliament.

In her initial days in office, Karki faced immediate challenges, including widespread unrest. Protesters defied curfews, setting fire to government buildings and freeing prisoners. The unrest resulted in a significant death toll, with reports indicating that at least 51 individuals had died due to clashes with police.

A Focus on Governance and Reform

Karki’s leadership comes at a crucial time for Nepal, as the youth have expressed a strong desire for an end to corruption, improved governance, and economic equality. Despite her age, many see her as a trustworthy figure who can navigate the turbulent political waters. Nepali journalist Anish Ghimre emphasized that the younger generation is looking for someone they can respect and trust, and Karki fits that bill.

In her first official act, Karki appointed three new government ministers: Om Prakash Aryal as home minister, Rameshwar Prasad Khanal as finance minister, and Kulman Ghising as energy minister. She has pledged to fulfill her duties responsibly, stating, “We will not stay here more than six months in any situation. We will complete our responsibilities and pledge to hand over to the next parliament and ministers.”

Looking Ahead

As Karki embarks on her interim leadership, she faces the daunting task of addressing the deep-seated issues of corruption and governance that have fueled public discontent. While the parliament is dissolved, her ability to pass new legislation may be limited. Nevertheless, the interim government is expected to focus on ensuring timely elections and addressing the urgent need for reconstruction in the wake of recent upheaval.

The appointment of Sushila Karki marks a significant moment in Nepal’s political history, as the country looks to bridge the generational gap between its leaders and the youth who demand change.

Key Facts

– **Name**: Sushila Karki
– **Age**: 73
– **Position**: Interim Prime Minister of Nepal
– **Education**: Bachelor of Arts from Mahendra Morang College; Master’s degree from Banaras Hindu University; Law degree from Tribhuvan University.
– **Appointment Date**: September 12, 2023
– **Context**: Appointed following protests against political corruption, resulting in former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation.
– **Upcoming Elections**: Scheduled for March 5, 2026.

Source: www.aljazeera.com