**New Syrian Parliament Meets for First Time in Damascus**
Syria's newly established parliament convened for its inaugural session on Sunday, marking a significant step in the country's political transition nearly 19 months after the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. The session took place in Damascus, with President Ahmed al-Sharaa emphasizing the importance of the assembly in shaping the future of Syria.
In his opening address, Sharaa urged lawmakers to "make this council a model of responsibility and competence," framing the parliament as "a platform for truth and justice." He expressed a vision of a nation that is actively engaged in writing its own history, highlighting the collective responsibility of the new government to build both the nation and its citizens.
The formation of this parliament is seen as a critical test of Sharaa's commitment to fostering an inclusive political environment in Syria, which had been characterized by decades of authoritarian rule under the Assad regime. The previous legislative body was often criticized as a mere rubber stamp for the executive branch.
Under the interim governing framework, the new parliament consists of 210 seats, with two-thirds of the members elected by regional electoral colleges last year. The remaining third were appointed by Sharaa on July 1. This selection process has faced scrutiny, as critics argue that it grants the executive branch excessive control over the legislative body. Officials have justified this approach due to the widespread displacement caused by years of conflict, which has complicated the establishment of accurate voter rolls and population records.
Looking ahead, Sharaa has expressed support for holding general elections once the necessary infrastructure and documentation are in place. The parliament operates under a temporary constitutional declaration that was introduced in 2025, which grants it limited powers. Notably, there is no requirement for the government to secure a parliamentary vote of confidence, although the assembly can propose and approve legislation. The term for this parliament is set at 30 months, with the possibility of renewal until a permanent constitution is enacted and elections are conducted.
Women have a notable presence in the new assembly, comprising 10% of the lawmakers, with 21 female representatives. Fifteen of these women were nominated directly by Sharaa. The parliament also includes representatives from various ethnic and religious minorities, although the exact breakdown has not been officially released. Unofficial estimates suggest that 10 seats were filled by members of minority groups, including Kurds, Christians, and Alawites, the sect to which the former president belonged.
However, the assembly is not without its challenges. Four seats are currently vacant due to the death of one lawmaker, and three seats reserved for the predominantly Druze province of Sweida remain unfilled. The selection process for these seats has been delayed until conditions in the region improve. Sweida has experienced significant unrest, with clashes between government forces and Druze fighters leading to substantial casualties, with reports indicating around 1,700 deaths according to the United Nations.
As the new parliament begins its work, it faces the dual challenge of navigating the complex political landscape left in the wake of the Assad regime and addressing the pressing needs of a nation still grappling with the aftermath of a prolonged conflict. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the assembly can fulfill its mandate of fostering a new era of governance in Syria.