Nepal Appoints Former Chief Justice as Interim Prime Minister, First Woman Leader
In a historic move, Nepal's President Ram Chandra Poudel appointed former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the interim prime minister and first woman leader of the Himalayan nation on Friday. The appointment comes after weeks of fiery protests that collapsed the previous administration.
According to sources close to the president, Karki was sworn in at the presidential residence in Kathmandu, marking a significant milestone for women's representation in Nepalese politics. "This is a momentous occasion for Nepal and a testament to the country's commitment to democratic values," said a senior government official, who wished to remain anonymous.
Karki, a respected figure in Nepalese judiciary, served as the court's only female chief justice from 2016 to 2017. Her appointment has been welcomed by many, including opposition parties and civil society groups. "We believe that Justice Karki's appointment will bring much-needed stability and integrity to the government," said a spokesperson for the main opposition party.
The protests that led to the collapse of the previous administration were sparked by disagreements over economic policies and corruption allegations. The new interim prime minister has vowed to address these issues and work towards rebuilding trust in the government. "We are committed to transparency, accountability, and good governance," Karki said in a statement after her appointment.
The appointment of Karki as interim prime minister is seen as a temporary measure until fresh elections can be held. The country's constitution requires that the prime minister be elected through a parliamentary vote within 30 days of the appointment. According to experts, this will give Karki and her team sufficient time to stabilize the government and prepare for the upcoming polls.
Nepal has been plagued by political instability in recent years, with several governments collapsing due to internal conflicts and external pressures. The country's economy has also suffered as a result of the unrest, with many businesses struggling to operate amidst the uncertainty.
As Karki takes on this new role, she faces significant challenges ahead. "She will need to navigate complex party politics, manage competing interests, and address pressing economic and social issues," said Dr. Krishna Prasad Bhandari, a political analyst at Kathmandu University. "But with her experience as chief justice and reputation for integrity, we believe she has the potential to bring much-needed stability and leadership to Nepal."
The appointment of Sushila Karki as interim prime minister marks a significant milestone in Nepalese politics, but it remains to be seen whether this will translate into long-term change. As the country looks towards fresh elections, one thing is clear: the road ahead will be challenging, but with a strong and capable leader at the helm, Nepal may finally begin to move forward.
Sources:
The Associated Press
Senior government official (anonymous)
Spokesperson for the main opposition party
Dr. Krishna Prasad Bhandari, political analyst at Kathmandu University
This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR News.
