Syrian president signs constitutional declaration for 5-year transitional period

ISTANBUL

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed a draft constitutional declaration on Thursday, establishing a five-year transitional period for the country.

An expert committee tasked with drafting the document presented it to Sharaa, outlining key provisions for the post-Assad era.

The committee said that the declaration was based on the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference held in February 2025.

The declaration mandates the dissolution of the existing Constitutional Court, branding it as a “remnant of the previous regime.”

In its place, the president is granted authority to appoint a new constitutional court operating under existing legal frameworks until a new judicial system is established.

The committee emphasized the judiciary’s independence and the crucial role of judges. It further stated that any decision regarding the president’s dismissal, removal, or limitation of powers would fall under the jurisdiction of the country's parliament.

The declaration mandates a strict separation of powers, granting the parliament full legislative authority while assigning executive power to the president.

The committee said that concentrating executive authority in the president’s hands was deemed a “practical choice” to ensure swift decision-making in addressing potential challenges.

Under the declaration, the president has the authority to declare a state of emergency with the approval of the country’s National Security Council, and any extension requires the parliament’s consent.

The committee said the transitional system would retain both administrative and civil judicial structures, saying that an immediate shift to a unified judiciary would face significant obstacles.

The declaration also guarantees property rights, women's rights in education, employment, and politics, and freedoms of speech, expression, media, and publication. It reaffirms Syria’s territorial unity while respecting cultural diversity.

"We hope this will be a new history for Syria, where we replace ignorance with knowledge and suffering with mercy,” Sharaa said after signing the document.

"We hope this will be a good omen for the Syrian people on the path to construction and development,” he added.

Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, 2024, ending the Baath Party regime, which had been in power since 1963.

Sharaa, who led anti-regime groups to oust Assad, was declared president in late January, abolishing the constitution and dissolving armed factions, security agencies, parliament, and the Baath Party.