Syria's transitional People's Assembly holds first session after Assad's ouster
The revival of political institutions after decades of conflict is always a test of resilience. When old structures collapse, new ones are born amid disputes over legitimacy and representation. The first parliamentary session in Syria since the fall of Bashar al Assad marked an important step, yet also reflected all the contradictions of the transitional period: how to reconcile appointed and elected representatives, how to ensure every region has a voice, and how to win the trust of a war weary people.
On Sunday, the first session of Syria's transitional People's Assembly took place, marking the first parliamentary meeting since the overthrow of former President Bashar al Assad in December 2024. The move was described as an early test of Syria's political institutions.
The new parliament consists of 140 members elected through regional electoral colleges in recent months, along with 70 members directly appointed by Syria's interim leader, Ahmad al Sharaa. The first session marked the start of the assembly's legislative work. It is expected to function for 30 months, considering laws, approving budgets and helping to shape Syria's constitutional and legal framework.
The new People's Assembly has drawn cautious optimism and significant criticism from Syrian political figures over its representation, independence and inclusiveness. Political analyst Mazen Bilal said: "Representation is unclear, and there is a disparity in representation between different parts of the country. The mechanism for electing and appointing members is also unclear.
The most important issue is the absence of Suwayda province, which is critical because the assembly's legitimacy depends on representation of all sectors of society." The new parliament creates a formal mechanism for law making and oversight of the government. However, its authority and effectiveness will ultimately depend on its performance, not its composition.
Syria's transitional period began after the fall of Assad's regime in December 2024. Interim leader Ahmad al Sharaa has overseen the process of forming new governing bodies. The assembly is meant to pave the way for constitutional reform and general elections, though its legitimacy is contested due to the absence of representatives from several provinces and a lack of transparency in its formation.
As CCTV+ reports. In the coming months, the parliament's work will be a key factor in stability, but its success will depend on the willingness of all sides to engage in dialogue and compromise.
