Nepal's Gen Z Protesters Back Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as Interim PM Amid Widening Crisis

An youth-led protests against corruption and political dysfunction, demonstrators are rallying behind a surprising figure to lead the country forward: 73-year-old former Chief Justice Sushila Karki.

Despite being far removed in age from the protesters — most of whom are under 28 — Karki has emerged as the preferred candidate for interim prime minister. Her clean reputation and independence from party politics have made her a unifying figure for the largely leaderless movement.

"The protesters believe she can guide the country through a transitional period with fairness and integrity," said advocate Raman Kumar Karna, secretary of Nepal’s Supreme Court Bar Association, who has been consulted by the protest group. Karna told Reuters on Wednesday that the group plans to formally present Karki's name to the Chief of the Nepali Army, pending agreement on broader demands.

### Who Is Sushila Karki?

Sushila Karki made history in Nepal eight years ago when she became the country’s first and only female Chief Justice. Her legal career spanned decades, rising through the ranks from lawyer to regional judge, eventually taking the top position in the Supreme Court.

Though her husband, Durga Prasad Subedi, was affiliated with the youth wing of the Nepali Congress, Karki herself has never been a member of any political party. Her distance from the country’s mainstream politics is viewed as a major asset at a time when public anger is squarely directed at Nepal’s traditional political class — often criticized as corrupt, dynastic, and out of touch.

Nepal has never had a female prime minister, although Bidya Devi Bhandari previously served as the country's president in a largely ceremonial role.

Ironically, it was former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli — who resigned earlier this week in the face of mounting unrest — who approved Karki’s elevation to Chief Justice. Now, with his departure, Karki is being seen as the ideal candidate to step into the leadership vacuum.

The situation in Kathmandu and other parts of the country remained tense on Wednesday, with the army deployed to maintain order under a strict curfew. Protesters had earlier set fire to several government buildings, including Parliament, the Supreme Court, and multiple ministers’ homes — even targeting Oli’s private residence.

The death toll has climbed to 25, and more than 600 people, including both protesters and police, have been injured, according to Nepal’s Health Ministry.

Burned vehicles, debris, and charred remains of public buildings littered parts of Kathmandu. However, amid the destruction, some young protesters were seen cleaning up streets and helping clear rubble — a gesture that has been widely shared on social media as a sign of the movement's intent to rebuild, not just revolt.

Armoured vehicles patrolled the streets, and army spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet stated, “We are trying to normalise the situation first. We are committed to protect the life and property of people.”

Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport reopened on Wednesday evening after more than 24 hours of suspended operations. Meanwhile, talks are underway to determine a political roadmap out of the crisis.

In a public appeal on X (formerly Twitter), the Nepali Army said the curfew would remain in effect until Thursday morning and warned that acts of violence, vandalism, or arson would be met with strict legal action.

Former Supreme Court judge and constitutional expert Balaram KC also weighed in, urging protesters to maintain order and push for fresh elections: “Parliament should be dissolved, and new elections held.”

The Army has confirmed that discussions are ongoing among all relevant stakeholders.

Nepal, sandwiched between India and China, has faced growing political instability and economic challenges since the monarchy was abolished in 2008. The current crisis has drawn international attention.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for peace in a post on X, while China expressed hope that "order and stability will be restored soon."

As the movement grows in size and momentum, the country now stands at a critical crossroads — with a new generation demanding a clean break from the past and a fairer, more accountable future.