Nepal has entered a new chapter. On 12 September 2025, Sushila Karki took the oath as interim Prime Minister. She is the first woman Prime Minister in Nepal’s history.
Nepal is facing one of the biggest political crisis in its recent history. The crisis began with Gen Z-led protests that forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign. The unrest started as opposition to a social media ban but soon turned into a nationwide anti-corruption movement.
So far:
- 29 people were killed during the protests and clashes
- Parliament building set on fire in Kathmandu
- Army deployed with shoot-to-kill orders
- PM Oli resigned on 9 September 2025 and went missing from his residence
The power vacuum has created space for new leadership. Kulman Ghising, a respected technocrat, has now emerged as the strongest contender to lead an interim government.
Check Out: What Does Gen Z Want in Nepal?
Nepal Political Crisis
- Protests led by Gen Z (13–28 years) through TikTok, Instagram, and Telegram
- Demonstrators targeted corruption, the lavish lifestyles of ‘Nepo Kids’, and restrictions on freedoms
- Violence escalated after opportunistic groups joined the movement
- Government properties, including Parliament, were destroyed
- 29 lives lost, despite appeals for peaceful protest
- Oli resigned under pressure, and an army curfew was imposed nationwide
Oli’s Exit and the Political Vacuum
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stepped down, citing the “extraordinary situation.” President Ram Chandra Poudel asked him to head a transitional setup, but Oli disappeared, leaving Nepal leaderless. This vacuum gave space to new contenders to lead an interim government.
Gen Z’s Choice of Leaders
- Sushila Karki – Former Chief Justice known for anti-corruption stance. Initially supported by Gen Z, but later stepped aside.
- Balen Shah – Popular Kathmandu Mayor. He backed Karki’s leadership initially.
- Kulman Ghising – Former Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Backed strongly by Gen Z after Karki and Shah stepped down.
Who is Sushila Karki?
As Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, Sushila Karki took a strong stance against both corruption and political interference. Gen Z protest leaders and civil society groups have welcomed her appointment. Many see her as a credible figure who can stabilize the country.
- Name: Sushila Karki
- Age: 72 (Born 7 June 1952, Biratnagar)
- Education: Law graduate, Tribhuvan University
- Career: Appointed Supreme Court Justice in 2009, became Nepal’s first female Chief Justice in 2016
- Reputation: Outspoken critic of corruption and political influence in the judiciary
Who is Kulman Ghising?
Kulman Ghising is widely respected for ending Nepal’s 18-hour daily power cuts during his leadership of NEA. His clean record, technical expertise, and apolitical image make him popular among the youth.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Kulman Ghising |
| Age | 54 (Born 25 Nov 1970, Ramechhap) |
| Education | BE in Electrical Engineering (RIT Jamshedpur), Master’s in Power Systems (Pulchowk, Nepal), MBA (Pokhara University) |
| Career | Joined NEA in 1994, became MD in 2016 |
| Achievement | Ended nationwide load-shedding, made NEA profitable |
What Lies Ahead for Nepal
- Army control will remain until peace is restored
- The interim government under Ghising is likely to take charge soon
- Fresh elections expected after constitutional and political reforms
- Demands of the Gen Z movement:
- Strong anti-corruption laws
- Political accountability
- End of dynastic politics
- Freedom of digital platforms
Voices from Citizens
- “What we need now is peace and elections with new leaders,” said Sanu Bohara, a shop owner.
- “Had the protests been organised, leadership would have been clearer,” said retired officer Anup Keshar Thapa.
Nepal stands at a turning point. The Gen Z protests have shown the strength of young voices against corruption and political entrenchment. The resignation of KP Sharma Oli has opened doors for technocrats like Kulman Ghising, who may lead Nepal into a new era of stability, transparency, and reform.
