**Syrian Parliament Holds Inaugural Session After al-Assad's Overthrow**
*Damascus, Syria – July 12, 2026* – Syria's newly appointed transitional parliament convened for its inaugural session on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the country's political landscape following the overthrow of long-time authoritarian leader Bashar al-Assad. President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed leadership after al-Assad's ousting by rebel forces, addressed lawmakers during the session, urging them to prioritize the "national interest above all."
During the meeting held in Damascus, members of the parliament, known as the People’s Assembly, took their constitutional oaths, officially commencing their responsibilities. This event comes over 18 months after al-Assad was removed from power, a transition that has been fraught with challenges including ongoing economic turmoil and political instability.
In his address, President al-Sharaa emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of dialogue, the rule of law, and respect for institutions. He called on the assembly to serve as a model of responsibility and competence in the face of the nation's pressing needs. “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,” al-Sharaa stated.
The primary task of the new parliament will be to draft a new constitution and lay the groundwork for a democratic governance structure, a stark contrast to the decades of oppressive rule experienced under the al-Assad regime. The civil war, which lasted 14 years and resulted in the deaths of more than half a million people, has left Syria in a precarious state, with significant socio-economic challenges.
Al-Sharaa, who is 43 years old, has outlined key priorities for the parliament, including economic improvement, enhancement of public services, and the attraction of international investment. He expressed optimism about Syria's future, stating, “Syria is writing a glorious history that reflects its heroism, and we face the responsibility of building both the nation and the individual.”
The newly formed chamber consists of 210 seats, with two-thirds of the members elected by regional electoral colleges last year. The remaining 70 members were appointed by President al-Sharaa at the beginning of July. Officials have cited logistical challenges stemming from years of conflict and inaccurate population records as reasons why nationwide elections were not feasible at this time.
The session was also noted by Claudio Cordone, the deputy United Nations special envoy for Syria, who described it as a "key milestone in the country’s political transition." Cordone highlighted the international community's commitment to monitoring the parliament's activities and providing support as needed.
As Syria embarks on this new chapter, the transitional parliament faces the daunting task of addressing the nation's complex issues while navigating the remnants of a deeply divided society. The success of this assembly will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of Syria as it seeks to rebuild and redefine itself after years of conflict and repression.