Historic Shift: Nepal Appoints First Female Prime Minister Chosen by Generation Z Amid Massive Protests
Nepal has marked a significant milestone in its political history by appointing the country’s first woman as Prime Minister.
This pivotal event unfolded amidst widespread protests and a political crisis that swept through the nation late last week.
The unrest began with large-scale demonstrations led by young people opposing corruption, unjust systems, and restrictions on social media.
Tens of thousands of youths, mostly under 30, took to the streets to protest censorship and what they perceived as unfair political leadership.
In response, police resorted to live fire, resulting in the tragic deaths of 21 civilians—marking the bloodiest day in the country’s protest history.
Following these events, tensions escalated further: parliament buildings and residences of top officials were set on fire, and Kathmandu resembled a war zone.
Ultimately, Prime Minister K.P.
Sharma Oli resigned, an event welcomed by the youth, who opposed his authoritarian style and widespread corruption.
This rapid political upheaval posed new challenges, with a newly formed government created swiftly and lacking clear organization.
Representatives of Generation Z, who had been vocal about justice and transparency, participated in negotiations for a new government.
They proposed and supported Sushila Karki, a former Supreme Court Justice, as interim leader.
Known for her unwavering stance against corruption and her contributions to justice, Karki’s candidacy was spearheaded by the protest movement.
She became Nepal’s first female Prime Minister and the first politician from Generation Z to lead the country.
Over the past decade, she built a reputation as a fighter against abuse and systemic corruption, which drew opposition from political elites.
Despite ongoing demands for investigations into corruption charges against former Prime Minister Oli and others, her appointment aims to initiate reforms and restore stability.
While the path to an enduring government remains long, young activists and citizens hope that Karki’s interim leadership will kickstart meaningful reforms and guide Nepal toward a more transparent future.