First session of Syria’s parliament convenes after Assad’s ousting

Syria’s transitional parliament began its first session on Sunday, tasked with drafting the country’s new constitution and laying the groundwork for democracy after decades of authoritarian rule.Syria’s new authorities dissolved the country’s rubber-stamp legislature after toppling long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, and adopted a temporary constitutional declaration to cover a five-year transition period.In October last year, and in a process criticised as undemocratic, local committees appointed by the electoral commission – which in turn was appointed by President Ahmed al-Sharaa – began selecting two-thirds of the 210 members of the new parliament.Sharaa will appoint the remaining 70 members this week.The session began on Sunday with 206 members, excluding the Druze-majority Sweida province in the south and a deceased member.Sweida still has not designated its members following sectarian bloodshed there last year, though Sharaa appointed two representatives from there.Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa meets with Qatar’s Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi at the People’s Palace in Damascus on Saturday. Photo: dpa