Kathmandu: Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki is set to head an interim government following a breakthrough agreement between major political parties and representatives of the Gen Z protest movement on Thursday evening.
Under the deal, a three-member cabinet will be formed immediately, with Karki expected to be sworn in by 9 PM at Shital Niwas. The agreement also calls for the dissolution of the existing parliament.
The development comes in the wake of youth-led demonstrations, widely known as the Gen Z protests, which erupted earlier this week after the government moved to ban social media platforms. The protests swiftly grew into a nationwide uprising against corruption, poor accountability, and restrictions on free expression, drawing thousands of young Nepalis to the streets demanding systemic reforms and a new political culture.
Karki, Nepal’s first female Chief Justice and a figure celebrated for her integrity, emerged as the consensus candidate after tense negotiations. For the Gen Z movement, her appointment marks a symbolic break from entrenched political elites, while traditional parties view her as a neutral leader capable of navigating the crisis.
Despite the agreement, friction remains between Gen Z activists and established parties, particularly regarding the role of the dissolved parliament and possible constitutional changes.
Even so, Thursday’s decision is being hailed as a milestone in Nepal’s democratic evolution, as the youth movement asserts its influence on the nation’s political direction in unprecedented ways.