Syria’s transitional parliament began its inaugural session Sunday in Damascus, where it will be tasked with drafting the country’s new constitution more than a year after rebels led by eventual president Ahmad al-Sharaa overturned decades of authoritarian rule.

Syria’s new authorities dissolved the country’s rubber-stamp legislature after toppling longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 and adopting a temporary constitutional declaration meant to remain in effect during a five-year transition period.

In his opening remarks before the newly formed People’s Assembly, Sharaa called on lawmakers to be “models of responsibility and competence, and to contribute to establishing a culture of dialogue, the rule of law and respect for institutions.”

“Syria is writing a glorious history that reflects its heroism, and we face the responsibility of building both the nation and the individual,” he said.

Last October, in a process that critics labeled as undemocratic, local electoral colleges whose members were appointed by a higher body in the caretaker government began to select two-thirds of the 210 designated People’s Assembly members.

Sharaa on July 1 appointed 70 legislators, comprising the remaining one-third of the legislative body.

The Assembly, with limited power, can propose and approve laws over its renewable 30-month term. The body is slated to assume legislative authority until a permanent constitution is adopted and elections are held, and was expected to form a constitution-drafting committee, approve the country’s budget and pass legislation........

© The Times of Israel