Syria begins 5-year transition: 22-member government unveiled

Shafaq News/ On Saturday, Syrian transitional President Ahmad Al-Sharaa announced the formation of a new government, calling it the start of "a new phase in history" as the country transitions from the rule of Bashar al-Assad.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at the People’s Palace, Al-Sharaa emphasized that the new administration represents a collective will to rebuild the state. "This government is committed to restoring state institutions and creating a homeland worthy of every sacrifice," he said in a televised address. "It marks the establishment of a strong state, with the interests of the nation and its people as the top priority."

His remarks come three months after al-Assad was ousted in a military offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that seized control of Damascus on December 8 following an advance from northwestern Syria.

Earlier this month, Syrian authorities approved a constitutional declaration establishing a five-year transitional period, during which Al-Sharaa will hold executive power. The new government replaces an interim administration that was formed to oversee the country’s affairs following al-Assad’s removal.

Al-Sharaa, who was declared president on January 29, had pledged to draft a constitutional framework for the transition, dissolve the previous parliament, and establish a provisional legislative council. While the announcement of the new government was delayed from early March, he underscored the urgency of national unity. "We face great challenges that demand cohesion and decisive action," he said.

Speech of President Ahmed al-Sharaa in announcing the formation of the new #Syrian government pic.twitter.com/cZ1nLopFQG

— Qusay Noor (@QUSAY_NOOR_) March 29, 2025

The new government consists of 22 ministers, covering various portfolios:

-Foreign Affairs & Expatriates: Asaad Al-Shaibani

-Defense: Major General Marhaf Abu Qasra

-Interior: Anas Khattab

-Justice: Mazhar Al-Wais

-Finance: Mohammad Yasir Barnieh

-Economy & Trade: Nidal Al-Shaar

-Health: Musab Nazal Al-Ali

-Emergency & Disaster Management: Raed Al-Saleh

-Communications & IT: Abdul Salam Haikal

-Education: Mohammad Abdul Rahman Turko (a Kurdish politician from Afrin)

-Higher Education & Scientific Research: Marwan Al-Halabi

-Social Affairs & Labor: Hind Kabawat (a Christian opposition figure)

-Energy: Mohammad Al-Bashir

-Transport: Yaarub Badr

-Public Works & Housing: Mustafa Abdul Razzaq

-Culture: Mohammad Saleh

-Youth & Sports: Mohammad Samih Hamid

-Tourism: Mazen Al-Salhani

-Agriculture: Amjad Badr

-Religious Endowments (Awqaf): Mohammad Abu Al-Khair Shukri

-Development: Mohammad Eskaf

-Information: Hamza Mustafa