Syria’s new parliament has limited power, but expectations are high

Syria’s new parliament, known as the People’s Assembly, convened in Damascus on July 12, 2026, marking the first time since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in late 2024 that the country’s legislative body has met. Despite its symbolic significance, the assembly operates with limited authority over government actions. Its members, selected through a mix of direct appointments and indirect elections, do not represent political parties and have generally avoided engaging with the public or media. Nevertheless, many Syrians remain optimistic about the potential of this institution to advance their revolutionary aspirations. The assembly’s formation comes amid ongoing challenges, including a bombing that claimed ten lives just days prior. Despite the security concerns, lawmakers proceeded with their duties, signaling a determination to rebuild foundational elements of governance. The return of parliament represents more than a procedural step, it symbolizes an attempt to restore democratic processes and institutional legitimacy in a nation deeply scarred by conflict and authoritarian rule. Under the Assad regime, the parliamentary system functioned primarily as a tool of political control, passing laws that suppressed individual liberties while reinforcing state dominance. The new parliament faces the daunting task of revising hundreds of outdated laws, drafting a new constitution, and addressing urgent societal demands for improved living conditions and justice. Analysts argue that the success of this endeavor will determine whether the revolution can achieve lasting transformation. Approximately one-third of the current parliamentarians were appointed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, while others were selected via an indirect election process involving local councils. The assembly includes representatives from diverse regions, ethnic minorities, and tribal communities, with 22 female members among its ranks. Notable figures include former political prisoners from the Assad era and prominent business leaders, reflecting efforts to broaden representation. Lawmakers have expressed a commitment to extensive preparatory work, spending long hours drafting legislation in the months leading up to the assembly’s opening. However, some have distanced themselves from public commentary, citing new restrictions on media engagement. During its initial meetings, the assembly took steps toward independence by electing a constitutional lawyer as speaker and appointing a Christian woman activist as deputy speaker, choices that contrast with the influence of the interim president. Among the assembly’s early priorities are reforms aimed at improving women’s rights, enhancing media freedoms, and modernizing business regulations. These changes are crucial for attracting foreign investment, as several international firms await approval of an investment law before committing to new ventures in Syria. Sociologists emphasize the need for cultural shifts and stronger connections between citizens and the legislative body, noting that public trust remains fragile. Despite these developments, skepticism persists among some Syrians. On the streets of Damascus, conversations often reflect doubts about the assembly’s ability to deliver meaningful change. Many continue to prioritize immediate needs such as access to clean water and electricity, highlighting the gap between legislative ambitions and daily realities. As the assembly moves forward, its capacity to address both structural reform and grassroots concerns will shape its legacy in Syria’s evolving political landscape.