The convening of the first People’s Assembly in Syria after the fall of the Assad regime constitutes a pivotal moment in the course of the transitional phase, as it is the subject of great hopes for contributing to building the legislative framework of the new state, consolidating the rule of law, strengthening oversight of the government’s performance, and responding to the economic, social, and constitutional challenges facing the country.
In this context with Anas al-Abdah, a member of the People's Assembly appointed on President Ahmed al-Sharaa's list, to discuss the Assembly's priorities for the coming period and his vision for its role in legislative reform, transitional justice, strengthening citizenship, and restoring Syrians' trust in state institutions. The following is the text of the interview:
In light of the transitional phase that Syria is going through, what are your legislative priorities within the People’s Assembly? And what laws do you see as necessary to be passed urgently in order to consolidate stability, rebuild state institutions, and strengthen the rule of law?
This phase also requires the creation and enactment of new legislation, foremost among which is the Transitional Justice Law.
The priority is to launch a legislative revolution in every sense of the word, based on reviewing and amending a large number of existing laws that restrict the Syrian citizen and hinder the work of the current government in the path of building the new Syria.
This stage also requires the creation and enactment of new legislation, foremost among which is the Transitional Justice Law, along with laws that would stimulate the Syrian economy and create the necessary legal environment for the efficient and effective restoration of economic activity.
After years of declining trust among Syrians in public institutions, how will the People's Assembly ensure effective oversight of the government's performance? And what guarantees are there that the Assembly will be an independent legislative and oversight authority, and not just a body for passing laws?
Syria is currently witnessing the formation of a legislative authority as one of the three branches of government, alongside the executive and judicial branches, thus strengthening the foundations of state institutions based on the principle of separation of powers. The legal framework governing the work of the People's Assembly is the Constitutional Declaration, which grants the Assembly oversight powers, including the ability to hold hearings with ministers, thereby enabling the monitoring and accountability of the government's performance within the legal framework.
Demands from ethnic and religious groups for recognition of their constitutional, cultural, and linguistic rights are escalating. Do you support granting these rights clear constitutional and legislative guarantees? And how can the People's Assembly contribute to establishing the principle of equal citizenship while preserving diversity?
This issue will be addressed within the framework of Syria's permanent constitution. The goal is to build a state of citizenship based on equality for all citizens without any discrimination. The People's Assembly will face a crucial national task: fostering dialogue among the various components of society and working to rebuild the Syrian national fabric, which has been systematically targeted for over sixty years.
The appointment of a third of the People's Assembly members has sparked debate about the level of representation and independence. How do you assess the current composition of the Assembly? And what can the Assembly practically do to enhance the confidence of Syrians that it represents all segments of society?
Allocating one-third of the council members to appointment by the President of the Republic was intended to ensure representation and competence.
Allocating one-third of the council's members to presidential appointments was intended to ensure representation and competence. Announcing the names of these appointees contributed to raising women's representation to 10% and strengthened the presence of several groups, including the Christian community.
These indicators represent positive steps towards strengthening confidence in the council. Trust is not given; it is built through hard work, achievement, and tangible results.
Syrians are waiting for solutions to pressing issues, foremost among them improving living conditions, the return of refugees and internally displaced persons, reconstruction, and the improvement of services. What role can the People's Assembly play in these matters? And what do you expect citizens to see during the Assembly's first year in office?
The council should focus on amending and enacting legislation that directly impacts citizens' lives, whether in economic, social, or service-related aspects. The council's legislative role, along with its hearings with the government, will help address pressing issues and provide the necessary legal framework to expedite solutions.
All eyes are on the People's Assembly as a partner in completing the transitional phase. In your opinion, what role should the Assembly play in the constitutional reform process and in building the legal framework of the new state?
Transitional phases are among the most sensitive and dangerous phases in the history of nations.
Transitional phases are among the most sensitive and dangerous periods in a nation's history, as they demand a high degree of political maturity and statesmen who prioritize the supreme interests of the people and the state above all other considerations. State institutions during a transitional phase possess exceptional characteristics, necessitating that all authorities work in a spirit of integration and partnership to ensure the success of the transition and to guide Syria safely to a stage of lasting stability. I pray that we will live up to the expectations of our people, and we promise them that we will exert every effort to serve them and contribute effectively to building the new Syria.
