Syrian transitional government
Syrian transitional government | |
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.svg){kind=small} Cabinet of the Syrian Arab Republic | |
| 2025–present | |
 Ministers of the government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa | |
| Date formed | 29 March 2025 |
| People and organisations | |
| President | Ahmed al-Sharaa |
| No. of ministers | 23 |
| Status in legislature | Transitional |
| History | |
| Predecessor | Syrian caretaker government |
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Personal
Political offices
Presidency
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| Part of a series on the Syrian civil war |
| Syrian peace process |
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The Syrian transitional government (Arabic: الحكومة الانتقالية السورية, romanized: al-Ḥukūmah al-Intiqāliyyah as-Sūriyyah) is the current provisional government of Syria, formed on 29 March 2025 under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. It succeeded the Syrian caretaker government headed by Mohammed al-Bashir.
The government was announced by al-Sharaa at a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Damascus, where the new ministers were sworn in and delivered speeches outlining their agendas. Two new ministries were formed: the Ministry of Sports and Youth and Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management. The position of Prime Minister was abolished. The Ministry of Energy was formed from the mergers of the Ministry of Electricity, the Ministry of Oil and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Water Resources[1][2][3] while the Ministry of Economy and Industry was formed from the mergers of the Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade, Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection and the Ministry of Industry.[3]
Background
[edit]The 2024 Syrian opposition offensives, codenamed "Deterrence of Aggression," were led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham and supported by allied Turkish-backed groups in the Syrian National Army. These offensives resulted in the rapid fall of Bashar al-Assad's dictatorship, ending five decades of Assad family rule that began when Hafez al-Assad assumed power in 1970 under the Ba'ath Party following a coup d'état.[4]
After the fall of the Assad regime, Bashar al-Assad's ninth prime minister, Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali, remained in his post in a caretaker capacity with the support of the opposition and Ahmed al-Sharaa until the formation of the caretaker government, which was led by Mohammed al-Bashir.[5][6] On 12 February 2025, two major organizations of the former Syrian opposition, the Syrian National Coalition and the Syrian Negotiation Commission, announced their allegiance to the caretaker government.[7] On 11 March 2025, al-Sharaa signed an agreement with Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), to incorporate SDF-controlled institutions into the state, establish border crossings, and pledge to fight the remnants of the Assad regime.[8] The deadline for the merger has been set for the end of 2025.[9]
The government implemented the 2025 Interim Constitution of Syria, a provisional constitution ratified by al-Sharaa on 13 March 2025, establishing the basic law of Syria for a five-year transition period from 2025 to 2030.[10] The Interim Constitution sets a presidential system with the executive power at the hands of the president who appoints the ministers,[11] without the position of prime minister.[12]
Formation
[edit]
The government was announced by Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa at a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Damascus,[13] in which the new ministers were sworn in and delivered speeches outlining their agendas.[14] Two new ministries were formed: the Ministry of Sports and Youth and Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management.[15] The post of prime minister was abolished.[16]
Four of the new ministers belonged to minority groups: Yaarub Bader, an Alawite; Amjad Badr, a Druze; Hind Kabawat, a Christian; and Mohammed Abdul Rahman Turko, a Kurd.[16] The government also included figures from different groups of the former Syrian opposition: during the civil war, Mohammed Abu al-Khair Shukri was a member of the Syrian National Coalition, Raed al-Saleh was director of the White Helmets and Hind Kabawat served as deputy head of the Syrian Negotiation Commission in Geneva.[17]
Possible reforms
[edit]Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that the new government will reform the energy sector for sustainability and reliable electricity, support farmers to ensure food production, revive the industry, protect national products, attract investment, stabilize the economy, strengthen the Syrian pound, and prevent financial manipulation.[13]
Foreign affairs
[edit]On 10 April 2025, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul visited Damascus and met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. During the meeting, both sides signed a formal agreement to establish diplomatic relations, which included plans to open embassies and exchange diplomatic missions.[18][19] This agreement made South Korea the last major country—excluding North Korea—to formalize diplomatic relations with Syria.[20]
Members
[edit]Reactions
[edit]Domestic
[edit]The Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria has since said it will not adhere to the decisions of the newly-formed government, alleging that its composition allowed a single faction to maintain control and did not represent the diversity of Syria.[21]
Sheikh Hammoud al-Hinnawi, a prominent Druze community leader, welcomed the formation of the new Syrian government, commending the conciseness and conduct of the ministers' speeches.[22]
International
[edit]
Saudi Arabia: The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulated the establishment of the new government and affirmed its aim to cooperate and work with the transitional government "in a manner that embodies the fraternal and historical relations between the two countries and strengthens relations in all fields".[23]
Jordan: Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed the announcement of the new Syrian government, and Ministry Spokesperson Sufyan Qudah said that Jordan intends to deepen cooperation with the new government.[24]
Turkey: The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the formation of the new Syrian government, saying that this "stresses the Syrian administration's commitment to achieving a comprehensive Syrian-led political transition process". The ministry also said that Turkey intends to continue to support the Syrian political process and also called for lifting sanctions unconditionally.[25]
Qatar: Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the announcement made by the Syrian president of the formation of the new government, adding that Qatar intends to strengthen relations between the two countries and emphasizing Qatar's support for the new government to "achieve the aspirations of the fraternal Syrian people for stability, development, and prosperity".[26]
Kuwait: Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Kuwait's welcome of the formation of the new Syrian government, wishing "success in meeting Syrians' aspirations in security, safety, and prosperity".[27]
United Arab Emirates: The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the announcement of the formation of the new Syrian government.[28] Additionally, UAE officials such as president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, prime minister and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, and vice president Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed congratulated the Syrian president on the formation of a new government.[29]
Germany: German Special Envoy to Syria Stefan Schnecke announced that Germany welcomes the announcement of a new government in Syria.[30] German Foreign Office spokesperson Kathrin Deschauer later said in a press conference that the formation of the new government was a step in the right direction for future, inclusive political reform.[31]
United Kingdom: British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan) Hamish Falconer announced that the UK welcomes the formation of the new Syrian government.[32]
France: France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said that France welcomes the formation of a new government in Syria, stating France's support for a "peaceful and inclusive political transition which guarantees the protection of Syria's pluralism and the rights of all Syrians".[33]
Norway: Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide said that Norway welcomes the formation of a new Syrian government, stressing that "inclusive governance is essential for Syria's future, development, and prosperity".[34]
Palestine: Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas congratulated the Syrian president on the announcement of the formation of a new Syrian government.[35]
Poland: The Polish Embassy in Syria said that Poland welcomed the formation of the new government.[36]
Spain: Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the announcement of the new Syrian government, seeing it as "a step forward toward a peaceful Syria that guarantees unity and territorial integrity of the country".[37]
Italy: The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the formation of the new Syrian government, adding that Italy is ready to contribute towards reconstruction and support an inclusive political process.[38]
United States: U.S. State Department Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce considered the formation of the new Syrian government a positive step but stated that sanctions would not be eased until progress was made on key priorities, including counterterrorism.[39]
Iraq: Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani, during a phone call with Syrian president al-Sharaa to discuss recent developments in the region, congratulated the Syrian people on the formation of the new government and reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to respecting Syrian political developments.[40]
Ukraine: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine welcomed the formation of the new transitional Syrian government, interpreting this as "another important stage on the way to building a peaceful and democratic country". The Ministry also expressed Ukraine's support for Syrian territorial integrity and sovereignty.[41]
Malaysia: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made a phone call to Syrian President al-Sharaa to congratulate him on the formation of the new Syrian government, adding that Malaysia plans on enhancing bilateral (particularly economic) ties with Syria, and expressed his wishes for "further prosperity, stability, and prosperity for the Syrian people".[42]
South Korea: Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul met with President Ahmed al-Sharaa and extended his congratulations on the successful launch of the new government formed through inclusive representation following the end of the Assad regime.[43]
- International Governmental Organizations
European Union: High Representative Kaja Kallas, Commissioner Dubravka Šuica, and Commissioner Hadja Lahbib issued a joint statement welcoming the formation of the new Syrian transitional government, stating the EU's readiness to support a Syrian-led political process, engage with the new government, and respect for Syrian territorial unity, sovereignty, and integrity.[44]
Organization of Islamic Cooperation: The OIC's Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha congratulated the Syrian government and people on the formation of the new Syrian government.[45]
United Nations: UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said that UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen "encourages the ongoing efforts of Syrian authorities toward a credible, inclusive, and sustainable transition in terms of governance, and also in terms of the next transitional steps".[46]- Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons: Director-General Fernando Arias sent a congratulatory message to Syrian president al-Sharaa on the formation of the new Syrian government.[47]
See also
[edit]
- Government of Syria
- Syrian civil war
- United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254
- Foreign relations of the Syrian opposition
References
[edit]- ^ Lister, Charles (30 March 2025). "Assessing Syria's Transitional Government". Syria Weekly (Substack). Retrieved 31 March 2025.
In forming the new transitional government, Ahmed al-Sharaa has folded in Syria's long-standing ministerial positions responsible for electricity, oil and gas into the Minister of Energy's portfolio
(subscription required) - ^ "دمج وزارتي الكهرباء والنفط.. الرئيس السوري يُعلن عن إصلاحات شاملة للقطاع" [Merger of the Ministries of Electricity and Oil.. Syrian president announces comprehensive sector reforms]. Alhoria News (in Arabic). 29 March 2025. Archived from the original on 7 April 2025. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
- ^ a b "رئاسة الجمهورية: قرار رئاسي بإعلان التشكيل الوزاري لحكومة الجمهورية العربية السورية" [Presidency of the Republic: Presidential Decree Announcing the Ministerial Formation of the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic]. Syrian Arab News Agency (in Arabic). 3 April 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
- ^ Gebeily, Maya; Azhari, Timour (8 December 2024). "Assad gets asylum in Russia, rebels sweep through Syria". Reuters. Archived from the original on 18 December 2024. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
- ^ "الجولاني: المؤسسات العامة ستبقى تحت إشراف رئيس الوزراء السابق" [Al-Julani: Public institutions will remain under the supervision of the former Prime Minister]. aawsat.com (in Arabic). 8 December 2024. Archived from the original on 16 December 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- ^ "Mohammed al-Bashir appointed as Syria's prime minister after Assad's fall". Ilke News Agency. 9 December 2024. Archived from the original on 11 December 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- ^ "Syrian Negotiating Committee and National Coalition prepare for dissolution in meeting with president al-Sharaa". The Syrian Observer. 13 February 2025. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
- ^ "Syria signs deal to merge SDF into state institutions". Middle East Monitor. 11 March 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ "Syrian Government and SDF Reach Landmark Agreement on Kurdish Rights and Security". North Press Agency. 10 March 2025. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
- ^ "Syrian leader signs constitution that puts the country under an Islamist group's rule for 5 years". CNN. 14 March 2025. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
- ^ "Syria's new constitution gives sweeping powers, ignores minority rights". rfi. 14 March 2025. Retrieved 15 March 2025.
- ^ "Syria's Constitutional Draft Set for Release as Fact-Finding Committee Begins Investigations". Watan News. 12 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
- ^ a b c "President al-Sharaa announces formation of the New Government: We are witnessing the birth of a new phase in our national process". Syrian Arab News Agency. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
- ^ "وزراء الحكومة السورية يقدمون خططهم ويؤدون القسم الدستوري" [Syrian government ministers present their plans and take the constitutional oath]. Syria TV (in Arabic). 29 March 2025. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
- ^ "نص الإعلان الدستوري لسوريا 2025" [Text of the Constitutional Declaration of Syria 2025]. Al Jazeera Arabic (in Arabic). 14 March 2025. Archived from the original on 14 March 2025. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
- ^ a b "Syrian president unveils transitional government". Al Jazeera. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ "Syrian Ambassador to UAE defects". Gulf News. 15 September 2018. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
- ^ "S. Korea establishes diplomatic ties with Syria in foreign policy milestone". Yonhap News Agency. 11 April 2025. Archived from the original on 11 April 2025. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
- ^ "Syria, South Korea sign agreement to establish diplomatic relations". Syrian Arab News Agency. 10 April 2025. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
- ^ "Syria, South Korea establish diplomatic ties, open embassies". Arab News. 10 April 2025. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
- ^ "Rojava says won't implement decisions of new 'exclusionary' government in Syria". Rudaw. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ "الشيخ الحناوي يبارك تشكيل الحكومة السورية الجديدة ويشيد ببرامج الوزراء" [Sheikh al-Hinnawi congratulates the formation of the new Syrian government and praises the ministers' programs]. Syria TV (in Arabic). 1 April 2025. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
- ^ "Saudi Arabia welcomes the formation of the new government in Syria". Al Arabiya. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ "Jordan Welcomes New Syrian Government's Formation Announcement". Ammon News. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "Turkey Welcomes the new Syrian government formation". Syrian Arab News Agency. 5 April 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "Qatar Welcomes Announcement of New Syrian Government Formation". Qatar News Agency. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "Kuwait welcomes the formation of Syria's new gov". Kuwait News Agency. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "UAE welcomes new Syrian government, expresses support for stability and prosperity". Khaleej Times. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "President Sheikh Mohamed congratulates Syria leader on formation of new government". The National. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 4 April 2025.
- ^ "Germany welcomes the appointment of the new government in Syria". Syrian Arab News Agency. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "Erklärungen des Auswärtigen Amts in der Regierungspressekonferenz vom 02.04.2025" [Statements by the Federal Foreign Office at the government press conference on 2.4.2025]. Auswärtiges Amt (in German). 2 April 2025. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
- ^ "Britain welcomes the formation of the new Syrian government". Syrian Arab News Agency. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "Syria – Announcement of a new government (30 March 2025)". Ministère de l'Europe et des Affaires étrangères. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "Norway looks forward to cooperating with the new Syrian government". Syrian Arab News Agency. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "Palestinian President congratulates President al-Shara on new Syrian government". Syrian Arab News Agency. 31 March 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "Poland welcomes the formation of the new Syrian government". Syrian Arab News Agency. 31 March 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "Spain welcomes formation of new Syrian government". Syrian Arab News Agency. 31 March 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "Italy welcomes announcement of formation of new Syrian government". Syrian Arab News Agency. 31 March 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "الخارجية الأمريكية: تشكيل حكومة سورية جديدة خطوة إيجابية لكنها لن تخفف العقوبات" [US State Department: Formation of new Syrian government a positive step, but will not ease sanctions]. Al-Masry Al-Youm (in Arabic). 31 March 2025. Archived from the original on 7 April 2025. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
- ^ "Iraq and Syria to strengthen ties pledge security cooperation". Shafaq News. 1 April 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine congratulated Syria on the formation of a new transitional government". Ukrainian National News. 2 April 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "President al-Sharaa receives phone call from Malaysian Prime Minister , during which he offers congratulations on formation of the new government". Syrian Arab News Agency. 6 April 2025. Retrieved 6 April 2025.
- ^ "Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Republic of Korea and Syrian Arab Republic". The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea. 10 April 2025. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
- ^ "Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas, Commissioner Šuica and Commissioner Lahbib on the formation of the new transitional government in Syria". European Commision. 30 March 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "OIC Welcomes Formation of Syria's New Government". Asharq Al-Awsat. 1 April 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "UN welcomes formation of new expanded government in Syria". Syrian Arab News Agency. 2 April 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ "President al-Sharaa receives cable of congratulation from OPCW Director on the formation of new Syrian government". Syrian Arab News Agency. 5 April 2025. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
Cabinets of Syria | |
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 Ba'athist Syria (1963–2024) | |
 Modern Syria (2024–present) | |
