DAMASCUS — Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa called for “a new chapter” in the country’s history on Sunday as the newly formed People’s Assembly convened for its inaugural session.
“Today, Syria is writing a new chapter in its history — one that reflects its civilization, values, and heritage,” Sharaa said in an address to lawmakers, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
“Together, let us build the history of a modern Syria,” he added.
Sharaa urged members of parliament to make the legislature “a model of responsibility and competence” by promoting dialogue, the rule of law, and respect for state institutions.
The session was attended by several Cabinet ministers and senior officials after being postponed by one week.
A total of 206 lawmakers attended the opening session of the 210-seat parliament, with three representatives from the southern province of Suwayda absent.
Members took the constitutional oath before Sharaa, and the assembly is expected to elect its presidential bureau.
The three vacant seats allocated to Suwayda remain unfilled due to security challenges and restrictions in the province linked to the militia of Hikmat al-Hijri, one of Syria’s Druze spiritual leaders.
However, Suwayda is represented through the one-third of parliamentary members appointed by Sharaa, including Laith al-Balous and Subh al-Baddah, while the remaining seats are expected to be filled at a later stage.
The inaugural session followed the completion of the People’s Assembly after Sharaa issued a presidential decree naming all 210 members.
Under Syria’s temporary electoral system, 140 lawmakers were elected through provincial electoral bodies, while Sharaa appointed 70 members.
The formation of the new parliament marks another step in rebuilding Syria’s state institutions following the fall of the Assad government in December 2024.
Source: Saudi Gazette