Syria's president names final 70 lawmakers to new post-Assad parliament
Syria's Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed the final 70 members of the country's new parliament, paving the way for it to hold its first session next week. Fifteen of the new lawmakers ar
Syria's Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed the final 70 members of the country's new parliament, paving the way for it to hold its first
Read Full Story at BBC World News →Why This Matters
Syria’s new parliament, despite its limited powers under a constitution designed to preserve the Assad regime’s dominance, represents a critical step in Damascus’ post-war normalization efforts. The appointments signal an attempt to project legitimacy internationally while consolidating control domestically, particularly as the government seeks to reintegrate into regional and global institutions.
Background Context
Since the outbreak of Syria’s civil war in 2011, President Bashar al-Assad has systematically dismantled opposition-held institutions, replacing them with rubber-stamp bodies that extend his family’s grip on power. The new parliament’s composition—dominated by loyalist figures and regime-aligned independents—reflects a broader strategy to institutionalize victory, even as economic collapse and sanctions continue to strain the country’s survival.
What Happens Next
The first session of the new parliament will likely focus on procedural formalities, but attention will center on whether it initiates any economic or legislative reforms that could ease Syria’s isolation. Observers will watch closely for signs of internal dissent or factional shifts within the regime, which remains deeply divided over issues like reopening channels to Arab states or engaging with the West.
Bigger Picture
The formation of this parliament highlights a regional shift toward normalization with Assad, driven by Gulf states’ pragmatism and Russia’s strategic interests in Syria. It also underscores the erosion of Western leverage in Damascus, where the regime now prioritizes survival and economic rehabilitation over democratic concessions, even as it faces ongoing humanitarian crises and sanctions.
