Kathmandu, September 22, 2026 — Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has been appointed acting prime minister as Prime Minister Balendra Shah leaves for New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Before departing for the United States on Tuesday, Shah recommended Wagle to President Ram Chandra Paudel for the position of acting prime minister during his absence. Based on the recommendation, President Paudel appointed Wagle to the role.
Shah is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on September 24 and return to Nepal on September 26.
