Al-Sharaa Pledges to Form an Inclusive Government in His First Speech to Syrians

31st January 2025

3 minutes read

Al-Sharaa Pledges to Form an Inclusive Government in His First Speech to Syrians

The Syrian interim president is set to announce in the coming days the formation of a preparatory committee for the National Dialogue Conference, as well as a preparatory committee for selecting a smaller legislative council.

On Thursday, Syria’s interim president, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, pledged to establish an inclusive government that represents Syria’s diverse population, issue a “constitutional declaration” for the transitional phase, and announce a “preparatory committee” for the National Dialogue Conference. This was his first address to the nation following his appointment as interim president, nearly two months after the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad.

In his televised speech, Al-Sharaa outlined several measures for managing the transition, including the formation of a government that reflects all segments of Syrian society.

He stated, “In the coming days, we will announce the preparatory committee for the National Dialogue Conference,” whose date has yet to be set. He added that he would also announce “a preparatory committee for selecting a smaller legislative council” following the dissolution of the People’s Assembly.

He continued, “Once these steps are completed, we will issue the constitutional declaration, which will serve as the legal framework for the transitional period.”

He also vowed to “restore civil peace, prosecute criminals responsible for Syrian bloodshed and massacres,” and to “preserve Syria’s territorial integrity and enforce its sovereignty under a unified authority.”

Additionally, Al-Sharaa pledged to improve economic conditions, combat corruption and nepotism, and restore the nation’s prosperity and regional influence.

His speech followed a meeting with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who emphasized the “urgent need” for an inclusive government in Syria. His visit to Damascus on Thursday marked the first by a head of state since Assad’s ousting nearly two months ago. The two leaders also discussed Syria’s reconstruction efforts.

The Qatari Emir congratulated Al-Sharaa “on the victory of the Syrian revolution and his selection as the transitional president” during their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Damascus, according to a statement from the Qatari royal court.

He also stressed the “urgent need to form a government representing all segments of the Syrian people to solidify stability and advance reconstruction, development, and prosperity projects.”

Among the decisions taken by the new authorities on Wednesday were the dissolution of all armed factions, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, previously led by Al-Sharaa, as well as the existing army and security services of the former regime. The constitution was suspended, and the People’s Assembly and the Baath Party, which had ruled the country for decades, were dissolved.

However, several internal and external forces have opposed some of Al-Sharaa’s decisions, including his assumption of the presidency and the dissolution of key state institutions such as the military and security forces without a public mandate.

The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are closely monitoring developments under the new Syrian administration. The Kurds insist on their political participation, particularly integrating their forces as a military unit within the new army, a demand that has been rejected.

Additionally, some Syrian expatriates, particularly in Germany, have held protests opposing the Islamist takeover of power.

International powers, especially the European Union and the United States, are closely observing Syria’s political developments, making the full lifting of sanctions conditional on the inclusion of minorities in governance.

Beyond political reforms, the new administration also hopes to secure financial support from Gulf nations to aid in rebuilding Syria, whose economy and infrastructure have been devastated by over 13 years of conflict.