political upheaval; coup d'état; change of government
Refers to a sudden, often disruptive change in political leadership or system, ranging from a coup to a major government reshuffle. Commonly used in news reports.
A military coup took place in that country.
After the political upheaval, a new administration was launched.
A major political upheaval occurred in the neighboring country.
A military coup triggered a political upheaval.
A political upheaval broke out in that country, and the president fled abroad.