Damascus, Syria. Syria’s new parliament convened for the first time on Sunday, 19 months after rebels led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa toppled Bashar al-Assad. The session marked a step in the country’s political transition, although the chamber has limited powers under interim arrangements.
Presidential address
Addressing lawmakers in Damascus, Sharaa called on them to make the council “a model of responsibility and competence” and described it as “a platform for truth and justice”.
“Syria is writing a glorious history that reflects its heroism, and we face the responsibility of building both the nation and the individual,” he said.
Parliamentary composition
The parliament is viewed as a test of Sharaa’s pledge to establish an inclusive political order after decades of Assad family rule, during which the legislative chamber was widely seen as a rubber stamp.
Under interim governing arrangements, two-thirds of the 210-seat chamber were selected last year by regional electoral colleges. Sharaa appointed the remaining third on July 1.
Officials said the system was necessary because years of conflict displaced millions of people and prevented reliance on accurate population records or voter rolls. Critics have said it gives the executive branch extensive control over the selection process.
Interim powers
Sharaa has said he supports holding general elections once infrastructure and documentation permit.
A temporary constitutional declaration introduced in 2025 gave parliament limited authority, and the government is not required to secure a parliamentary vote of confidence.
The Assembly can propose and approve laws. Its 30-month term is renewable, and it holds legislative authority until a permanent constitution is adopted and elections are organised.