Syria opens new parliament as Sharaa begins post-Assad political chapter

Syria has opened a new People's Assembly, signaling a historic political shift after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024. President Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed the assembly on Sunday, a key event in the nation's complex process of rebuilding and establishing new governance structures.

The year 2025 was dedicated to unifying the country and appointing members to the new parliament. While the final members were chosen by the president following an electoral college vote last year, the assembly is seen as a major step forward. Unlike the Assad era, where parliaments were characterized by sycophantic applause, commentators observed a notable absence of such displays for President Sharaa.

Online observers highlighted the increased diversity within the new parliament. It includes a greater number of female representatives and individuals from various minority groups. Notably, Fasla Yousef, a senior member of the Kurdish National Council (ENKS), attended in traditional Kurdish attire, representing Hasakah. She is among at least eight Kurdish representatives, reflecting a broader inclusion of different ethnic and religious backgrounds, including Alawites, Druze, Christians, and Sunnis.

Analysis of the parliament members' backgrounds reveals that many rose through social and political networks established after 2011, including those connected to the opposition movement, local armed factions, civil society groups, and Kurdish parties. This composition contrasts with the traditional party-based politics of the past. The assembly includes appointees like 36-year-old actress Rozina Lazkani, selected by President Sharaa earlier this month.