Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa Announces Diverse Transitional Government Amid Calls for Inclusivity
In a significant development for the country, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has officially unveiled a new transitional government, appointing 23 ministers who represent a range of backgrounds. This cabinet formation aims to reflect the mosaic of Syrian society and foster a collaborative governance model amidst increasing global calls for inclusivity.
The newly appointed cabinet, announced on Saturday, features notable figures, including Yarub Badr, an Alawite who will serve as the transport minister, and Amgad Badr from the Druze community, who will take the helm of the agriculture ministry. President al-Sharaa emphasized that the establishment of this new government symbolizes a collective commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing the Syrian state.
In an innovative approach, the government will not include a prime minister; instead, President al-Sharaa is set to lead the executive branch directly. His leadership during this transitional period is critical, as he assumes responsibility for steering the country through reconstruction and governance.
Al-Sharaa’s remarks at the cabinet formation ceremony underscored the president’s intention to showcase the diversity of Syria’s population. This announcement comes in response to previous critiques regarding prior appointments, which were perceived as favoring close associates. Enhancing inclusivity within the government was seen as a necessary step to unify the nation.
The new government emerges amid heightened expectations from both Western nations and Arab allies for a more representative administration that genuinely embodies the various ethnic and religious communities in Syria. This is especially pertinent following recent violence that affected Alawite civilians along the western coast, highlighting the need for solidarity and communal governance.
Among the key appointments is veteran opposition figure Hind Kabawat, who represents Syria’s Christian minority and has been a long-time advocate for reform. Her appointment as social affairs and labor minister marks a historic moment as she becomes the first woman selected for a ministerial role under President al-Sharaa’s leadership.
Additional appointments include Mohammed Yosr Bernieh as finance minister, while Murhaf Abu Qasra and Asaad al-Shibani continue in their roles as defense and foreign ministers, respectively. This continuity ensures some degree of stability as the nation navigates its transitional challenges.
Al-Sharaa, who took office following the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad in December, is committed to nurturing the country’s public institutions and overseeing the administration until elections, which are projected to occur within the next five years.
In a landmark initiative, al-Sharaa has also implemented a dedicated ministry for emergency situations and disasters, appointing Raed al-Saleh, the lead of the White Helmets organization known for their humanitarian efforts in Syria’s troubled regions, to guide this new ministry.
Earlier this month, the government announced a constitutional declaration intended to lay the groundwork for this transitional period, indicating a strategic approach towards stability and governance. The establishment of a diverse cabinet symbolizes not only the aspirations of the Syrian people but also an adaptive governance model in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
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