A New Syria: Transitioning to the Rule of Law and State Institutions
For the past two years, Syria has been undergoing a radical transformation of its state structure and institutions. The process is focused on restoring trust between citizens and the state, and establishing national institutions that derive their legitimacy from the constitution and the rule of law. This strategic path marks a definitive shift away from decades of marginalized constitutional life, during which laws were frequently repurposed as instruments of authoritarianism.
This political transition began with the conference announcing the victory of the revolution on January 29, 2025, which led to the inauguration of Ahmed Al-Sharaa as leader of the transitional period. Foundational measures taken included the revocation of the 2012 constitution, the suspension of emergency laws, and the dissolution of the former People’s Assembly, the Baath Party, and the regime’s security apparatus. Simultaneously, the state initiated the rebuilding of the military on national foundations and the integration of various military factions and revolutionary bodies into formal state institutions.
This trend was further bolstered by inclusive national gatherings, most notably the National Dialogue Conference on February 25, 2025, which prioritized issues of transitional justice and citizenship. These efforts culminated in the signing of the Constitutional Declaration on March 13, 2025. Article 42 of this declaration mandates the reconstruction of public institutions and ensures the quality of services provided to citizens. Additionally, March 2025 saw the announcement of a new ministerial cabinet, which President Al-Sharaa described as the embodiment of a shared will to build a new Syria.
To address the legacy of the previous era, President Al-Sharaa issued Decree No. 19, establishing the National Commission for the Missing, and Decree No. 20, creating the National Commission for Transitional Justice. These bodies are tasked with uncovering violations, holding officials accountable, and providing reparations to victims, thereby reinforcing the principle that justice must be sought through legal channels.
Efforts to strengthen national unity have seen significant progress in the integration of civil and military institutions, particularly in northeastern Syria, leading to the dissolution of the “SDF” forces in August 2026. Furthermore, Presidential Decree No. 13 was issued to enshrine the identity of Syrian Kurds as an integral part of the Syrian national fabric.
The legislative and institutional framework was further solidified in July 2026 with the issuance of Decree No. 149, which formed the Supreme Constitutional Court. This, alongside the convening of the new People’s Assembly, strengthens oversight regarding the constitutionality of laws and supports the requirements of national reconstruction.
In both local and international remarks, President Al-Sharaa has emphasized that Syria is moving away from individual rule toward an institutional system based on competence and responsibility. During his participation in the Arab Media Summit and the Atlantic Council, he stressed that work continues to establish respect for the law as a firm approach that guarantees freedoms. He added that the state remains open to exchanging international expertise to strengthen the national structure, viewing the presidency as a tool to serve the people and achieve sustainable development.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
