Sushila Karki Takes Charge As Nepal’s Interim PM, Likely To Expand Cabinet Today

Sushila Karki, the new Prime Minister of Nepal. (Photo: X)

Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki formally assumed office at Singha Durbar on Sunday, stepping into the new role at a time of political turbulence in the country.

After formally assuming charge, Karki vowed to ensure accountability for recent violence and noted that her government’s mandate was only temporary.

“Those involved in the barbaric incident will be investigated. My team and I haven’t come here to savor power. We won’t stay longer than six months. We’ll hand over responsibility to the new parliament. We won’t succeed without your cooperation,” Karki told officials.

Karki reached her new workplace at 11 am and took charge inside the Home Ministry premises, which has been designated as the Prime Minister’s office.

Soon after, she convened a meeting with the Chief Secretary and secretaries of all ministries, where she is expected to issue directives on restoring civil services.

Talks are also underway regarding the first expansion of her cabinet, with announcements on ministerial appointments likely to be made later in the day.

Karki’s Rise Amid Gen Z Protests

Karki’s appointment as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister comes on the heels of weeks of large-scale protests spearheaded by the country’s Gen Z population, triggered by corruption allegations against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his cabinet.

The demonstrations culminated in the dissolution of Parliament, a decision endorsed by President Ram Chandra Paudel on September 12.

Fresh parliamentary elections have been scheduled for March 5, 2026.

The move has drawn sharp backlash from major political forces and legal circles. The Nepali Congress (NC) accused the government of undermining constitutional values and democratic gains, calling the dissolution “completely unconstitutional.”

NC General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma warned that any breach of the Constitution raised “serious concerns.”

While facing mounting criticism at home, Karki’s interim government has gained support abroad. The US ambassador to Nepal welcomed her appointment, applauding efforts to restore calm after last week’s violence.

The envoy commended President Paudel, youth leaders, and the Nepali Army, led by Chief of Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel, for ensuring a smooth transition, and affirmed Washington’s readiness to cooperate with the interim administration.