KATHMANDU, Nepal. President Ram Chandra Poudel on Friday appointed former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister, making her the first woman to lead Nepal’s government after days of violent unrest forced the resignation of the previous administration.
Karki, 73, was sworn in during a small ceremony at the presidential residence, broadcast on state television. Politicians, officials, and foreign diplomats were present and offered their congratulations.
Known for her firm stance against corruption during her tenure as the country’s only female chief justice in 2016 and 2017, Karki survived an impeachment attempt in April 2017. Lawmakers at the time accused her of bias, but the effort was widely condemned as an attack on the judiciary.
Her appointment follows widespread demonstrations in Kathmandu that began Monday over a government ban on social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube. Although the ban was quickly lifted, the protests escalated into violent confrontations fueled by broader frustrations among young people.
Thousands of demonstrators attacked and set fire to government buildings, including the parliament and presidential residence. Businesses were also destroyed, while police opened fire on crowds. Authorities confirmed that many of those killed were protesters, along with inmates attempting to escape from a prison in the capital. Three police officers were also among the dead.
Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli resigned Tuesday and fled his official residence amid the violence. The army took control of Kathmandu the same night, enforcing a curfew and facilitating negotiations between protesters, the military, and the president over the formation of an interim government.
Residents are currently allowed only a few hours each day to leave their homes for food and supplies as soldiers continue to patrol the streets.
The demonstrations, dubbed the “protest of Gen Z,” have tapped into deep discontent with Nepal’s political elite. Many young protesters accuse the children of political leaders—derided as “nepo kids”—of living in luxury while most youth face widespread unemployment and economic hardship.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
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