Syria has sworn in a new transitional government, comprising 23 members from various religious and ethnic groups, four months after the ousting of the Assad family. This government operates under a secretary-general and aims to restore stability, implement a nationwide ceasefire, and secure the lifting of Western sanctions amid continuing conflict and violence in the country.
On March 30, 2025, Syria inaugurated a new transitional government, marking a significant shift in governance nearly four months after the removal of the Assad family from power. This 23-member Cabinet consists of representatives from various religious and ethnic groups and is the first established under Syria’s five-year transitional constitution. It supersedes the interim government formed following former President Bashar Assad’s ouster in December 2024.
Notably, this administration is unique in that it does not have a prime minister; rather, it operates under the leadership of a secretary-general, in accordance with the temporary constitution signed by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. This new governmental structure aims to foster stability after years of conflict.
The Cabinet incorporates both new members and experienced ministers, such as the foreign and defense ministers who have retained their roles. Significant appointments include Anas Khattab as the Interior Minister and Hind Kabawat, a vocal critic of Assad, who was designated Minister of Social Affairs and Labour. The formation of this government comes alongside an agreement signed by al-Sharaa and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi, aimed at achieving a nationwide ceasefire.
Among the newly appointed ministers, Raed Saleh, previously the head of the Syrian Civil Defence, is now responsible for Emergency Disasters, while Kurdish politician Mohammed Terko takes on the role of Minister of Education. Mohammed al-Bashir, who previously led Syria’s interim government, is assigned as Minister of Energy, focusing on the reconstruction of critical energy sectors.
The new government’s central objective is to terminate the ongoing war and establish peace throughout Syria. Recent violent clashes in the coastal region, predominantly affecting the Alawite community, underscore the challenges ahead, with over 1,000 fatalities reported. By promoting inclusivity through the representation of diverse backgrounds, al-Sharaa seeks to demonstrate a commitment to a more equitable political environment and influence Western nations towards lifting imposed economic sanctions.
In a precautionary advisory issued just before the government announcement, the US State Department warned American citizens about potential threats, particularly during the Eid al-Fitr holiday. This alert highlighted risks to embassies, international organizations, and public institutions, suggesting possible attacks could arise from armed institutions or explosive devices.
The swearing-in of Syria’s new transitional government marks a crucial step toward restoring stability and inclusivity following the ousting of the Assad regime. With efforts to unite various religious and ethnic groups, the government aims to end the prolonged conflict and seek the alleviation of Western sanctions. However, significant challenges remain amid ongoing violence and insecurity in the region.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
