K P Sharma Oli has been sworn in as Nepal's Prime Minister for the fourth time, tasked with leading a new coalition government aimed at restoring political stability in the Himalayan nation.
Oli, 72, leader of Nepal's largest communist party, was appointed by President Ram Chandra Paudel to head a coalition government with the Nepali Congress (NC) and smaller parties, following the ousting of Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' after a confidence vote loss in the House of Representatives (HoR).
The swearing-in ceremony at Shital Niwas, the presidential palace, was delayed due to disagreements within the Nepali Congress over ministerial appointments.
President Paudel also administered oaths to two Deputy Prime Ministers, Prakash Man Singh and Bishnu Paudel, along with 19 other ministers.
Notably, Arzoo Rana Deuba, wife of NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, was appointed Foreign Minister.
The cabinet comprises 10 ministers from the Nepali Congress, eight (excluding the PM) from CPN-UML, two from Janata Samajwadi Party, and one from Lokatantrik Samajwadi Party.
Outgoing Prime Minister Prachanda attended the ceremony, joined by foreign diplomats and dignitaries.
On Sunday, President Paudel appointed Oli under Article 76-2 of Nepal's Constitution, following a coalition agreement between NC and CPN-UML, which includes a rotational leadership arrangement until the 2027 general elections.
Oli, known for his intermittent tenures as PM since 2015, faces the immediate challenge of revitalizing Nepal's stagnant economy amid longstanding political instability.
The Kathmandu Post emphasized the need for political stability to bolster economic prospects, cautioning over the coalition's longevity.
Critics argue Oli's past authoritarian tendencies could undermine coalition cohesion unless he adopts a more inclusive approach with opposition parties and coalition partners.
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