Syria has adopted a temporary constitution, signed by interim president Ahmed al-Shara, which guarantees individual freedoms but concentrates power in his hands. The document retains Islamic law as its legal foundation and grants the president executive authority, allowing him to declare a state of emergency.
The constitution promises “freedom of opinion, expression, information, publication and press,” but with some exceptions, including glorifying the Assad regime. It also pledges to safeguard women’s rights and protect minorities, although concerns remain among ethnic and religious groups.
Critics have questioned Mr. al-Shara’s true beliefs due to his past ties to an Islamist extremist rebel group. The new constitution has sparked skepticism among Syria’s diverse mix of ethnic and religious groups, who are still hoping for a sharp turn away from the country’s five decades of dictatorship.
The international community has welcomed the constitutional declaration, with the United Nations’ special envoy saying it could move Syria toward restoring the rule of law and promoting an inclusive transition. However, lifting Assad-era sanctions remains a crucial step to resurrecting the country’s battered economy.
The constitution’s retention of Islamic law as its legal foundation and the president’s sweeping authority have raised concerns about human rights and minority protection. The Syrian Kurdish forces have criticized the document, saying it reproduced authoritarianism in a new form.
Despite these challenges, Mr. al-Shara has promised to create an inclusive government and has taken steps to assuage domestic and international concerns over women’s roles in the new Syria. The temporary constitution is the first step towards establishing a permanent one, with elections for a president and parliament scheduled for the end of the five-year transitional period.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/14/world/europe/syria-constitution-new-government.html