Syria's transitional parliament holds inaugural session

Syria's newly formed transitional parliament convened for its inaugural session in Damascus on Sunday, July 12, 2026, marking a significant step in the country's political transition following the ouster of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The 210-member body, known as the People's Assembly, was sworn in and elected its first speaker, Abdulhamid AlAwak, a legal expert from Hasakeh province.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led the rebel offensive that toppled Assad, addressed the session, calling on lawmakers to be models of responsibility and competence and to help foster a culture of dialogue and the rule of law. He described the assembly as a platform for truth and justice and said Syria was writing a glorious chapter in its history. Sharaa outlined key priorities for the parliament, including improving the economy, strengthening public services, and attracting international investment.

The parliament's formation follows a process outlined in a temporary constitutional declaration adopted for a five-year transitional period. Two-thirds of its members were selected last year by regional electoral colleges, while President Sharaa appointed the remaining 70...