Nepal's President Appoints First Female Leader and Interim PM Amid Government Crisis

Nepal Appoints Former Chief Justice as Interim Prime Minister and First Woman Leader KATHMANDU, Nepal - In a move aimed at stabilizing the country's government, President Ram Chandra Poudel appointed former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister on Friday. This appointment marks a historic milestone for Nepal, making Karki the first woman to lead the Himalayan nation. Karki, 73, was sworn in by President Poudel at the presidential residence in a small ceremony broadcast on state-run television. The event was attended by politicians, officials, and foreign diplomats who congratulated her on her appointment. The decision comes after weeks of intense protests that led to the collapse of the previous administration. Karki's appointment is seen as an attempt to restore stability and calm the situation in Nepal. "Her appointment is a step towards restoring trust in the government," said Dr. Krishna Prasad Baskota, a senior member of the opposition party. "We hope she will be able to address the pressing issues facing our country." Karki's tenure as chief justice from 2016 to 2017 was marked by her efforts to combat corruption within the government. She faced impeachment attempts in April 2017 but successfully defended herself against allegations of bias. Nepal has been plagued by political instability and protests over the past few months, with demonstrators calling for changes in the government's policies. The appointment of Karki as interim prime minister is seen as a move to address these concerns and bring about much-needed stability. Karki's leadership will be crucial in navigating Nepal's complex politics and addressing the country's pressing issues, including corruption, poverty, and infrastructure development. As she takes on this new role, Karki faces significant challenges. "She has a tough task ahead of her," said Dr. Baskota. "But we hope that with her experience and leadership skills, she will be able to steer the country in the right direction." The appointment of Karki as interim prime minister is expected to have far-reaching implications for Nepal's politics and governance. As the country looks forward to a new era of leadership, many are watching closely to see how Karki will tackle the complex issues facing Nepal. In related news, protests continued in Kathmandu on Friday, with demonstrators calling for further changes in the government's policies. The situation remains tense, but the appointment of Karki as interim prime minister is seen as a positive step towards restoring stability and calm. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the success of Karki's tenure as interim prime minister. As she navigates Nepal's complex politics, many are hoping that her leadership will bring about much-needed change and stability to the country. *Reporting by Npr.*