Syria’s New Parliament Holds First Session Since Ouster of Bashar al-Assad
Syria’s newly formed People’s Assembly convened in Damascus on Sunday, July 12, 2026, marking the first parliamentary session since the ouster of longtime authoritarian ruler Bashar al-Assad. The assembly serves as a central component of the country’s political transition, which began more than 18 months ago when rebels led by current President Ahmed al-Sharaa toppled the al-Assad family’s decades-long rule.
A Transitional Legislative Body
The 210-seat parliament is tasked with guiding Syria through a 30-month, renewable term. Its primary responsibilities include drafting a new constitution, approving the national budget, and passing legislation related to state-building. Under the current interim governing arrangements, the assembly holds legislative authority until a permanent constitution is adopted and formal elections are organized. The formation of the chamber was conducted through a hybrid process. Two-thirds of the members (140 seats) were chosen last year by regional electoral colleges. President al-Sharaa appointed the remaining 70 members on July 1. Officials stated that this system was necessary due to the significant logistical challenges resulting from years of civil war, which left millions displaced and made reliable population records or voter rolls unavailable.
Priorities for a Post-Conflict Nation
In his address to the assembly, the 43-year-old al-Sharaa urged lawmakers to set aside personal interests in favor of the national agenda. “I urge you to make this assembly a model of responsibility and competence, and to help foster a culture of dialogue, the rule of law and respect for institutions,” he said. Al-Sharaa identified the improvement of the economy, the strengthening of public services, and the attraction of international investment as the government’s key priorities. He described the assembly as a “platform for truth and justice,” noting that Syria faces the dual responsibility of rebuilding the nation and the individual following a 14-year civil war that claimed more than half a million lives. The parliament’s first session was welcomed by the international community. Claudio Cordone, the deputy United Nations special envoy for Syria, characterized the event as a “key milestone” in the country’s political transition, pledging that the international community would monitor its progress and remains ready to provide support.
Composition and Challenges of Representation
The new parliament exhibits a degree of diversity that contrasts with the previous regime’s legislature. The assembly includes representatives from various backgrounds, including Kurds, Christians, Alawites, Druze, and Ismailis. Women account for approximately 10% of the chamber, with 21 female lawmakers among the members. Despite the assembly’s formation, the body faces immediate challenges regarding full representation. Four seats remain vacant: one due to the death of a member, and three reserved for the predominantly Druze province of Sweida. Authorities stated that the selection process for Sweida has been postponed until conditions in the region become suitable. The assembly’s internal organization began promptly, with members electing Abdel Halim al-Awak as the speaker of the parliament.
Political Context and Legislative Limits
While the assembly is viewed as a test of al-Sharaa’s pledge to move away from the “rubber-stamp” legislative style of the Assad era, critics have expressed concern regarding the executive branch’s influence over the selection process. President al-Sharaa has acknowledged these concerns, stating that he supports holding general elections once the country’s infrastructure and documentation systems allow for them. As the assembly begins its work, the focus remains on its ability to navigate the complex task of constitutional reform while addressing the economic and social fractures left by over a decade of conflict.
