In March 2025, the interim president of Syria, Ahmed al-Shara, signed a temporary constitution that reflects the significant political changes following the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad. This constitutional framework grants extensive powers to al-Shara while establishing Islamic law as a cornerstone of the legal system. As part of reforms promised during his rise to power, al-Shara aims to foster an inclusive government amid lingering skepticism from various ethnic and religious communities regarding his past associations with an Islamist rebel group.
**Syria Enacts Temporary Constitution Amidst Ongoing Transformation**
**Syria Enacts Temporary Constitution Amidst Ongoing Transformation**
Syria's interim government introduces a new constitution under President Ahmed al-Shara, balancing individual freedoms with concentrated presidential power.
The new constitution, announced during a ceremony at the presidential palace in Damascus, guarantees individual rights such as freedom of opinion and expression. However, it also consolidates power within the presidential office, allowing him to appoint one-third of the legislative body while the remaining representatives will be selected through electoral processes controlled by a president-appointed committee. These changes are intended to pave the way for a five-year transitional period leading to a permanent constitution and national elections. Despite the positive changes heralded in this new framework, the path ahead is fraught with challenges, particularly regarding the lasting implications of al-Shara’s previous leadership and the continuing tensions among Syria's diverse population.
