Syria to form new government on March 1: Foreign minister
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Until March 1, a caretaker government led by Mohammad al-Bashir continues to oversee the country’s affairs.
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Syria's Interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani arrives on the stage for a talk with Kuwaiti journalist Ammar Taqi during the World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, February 12, 2025. (AP)
Syria announced on Wednesday that a new government would take office next month, replacing the interim cabinet established following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.
The authorities also unveiled a preparatory body tasked with organizing a national dialogue conference.
The incoming government will be responsible for rebuilding Syria’s institutions and revitalizing an economy devastated by nearly 14 years of war.
"The government that will be launched March 1 will represent the Syrian people as much as possible and take its diversity into account," Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said during the World Governments Summit in the United Arab Emirates.
He emphasized that the Syrian people would be "partners in change," adding that the modifications and adjustments made to the political roadmap over the past two months were informed and inspired by consultations with the diaspora and civil society.
Until March 1, a caretaker government led by Mohammad al-Bashir continues to oversee the country’s affairs.
Last month, Ahmad al-Sharaa, leader of the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a central role in Assad’s ouster, was appointed interim president. The new authorities are now working toward establishing a transitional legislature.
The Assad-era parliament has been dissolved, along with the Baath Party, which ruled Syria for decades. Al-Sharaa has stated that organizing elections could take up to five years.
On Wednesday, al-Sharaa’s office announced the formation of a seven-member preparatory committee for a national dialogue conference, aimed at addressing the needs of "this historic phase" and ensuring the aspirations of the Syrian people.
According to the decree, the committee includes two women and will conclude its work once the conference’s final declaration is issued. However, no date has been set for the event.
Last month, al-Sharaa described the national dialogue as "a direct platform for discussions, to listen to different points of view on our future political programme."
While officials have pledged that women will play a role in shaping Syria’s future, activists have raised concerns about their rights and representation in the new system.
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