Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa has called for “a new chapter in the country’s history" as the newly elected parliament held its first session.
"Today, Syria is writing a new chapter in its history, one that reflects its civilisation, values, and heritage,” he said in an address on Sunday to the People’s Assembly as cited by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
"Together, let us build the history of a modern Syria," he added.
He urged lawmakers to make the parliament "a model of responsibility and competence" while promoting dialogue, the rule of law, and respect for state institutions.
Syria announced the names of 70 lawmakers on July 1, appointed to the parliament by President al Sharaa, paving the way to convene.
The 210-member People’s Assembly, two-thirds of which were chosen by regional electoral colleges last year following a presidential decree announcing the final composition of the assembly, including the appointed one-third of members, the head of the country’s parliamentary election committee said on Wednesday.
The session marks the first parliamentary meeting since the ouster of the Bashar al Assad regime in October 2024.
Women account for 15 of the 70 appointed members, according to the presidential decree.
Separately, People’s Assembly Secretary-General Mohammed Hamza Shmout said the appointed bloc includes 23 prominent public figures and 47 professionals and experts, among them 12 members with master’s degrees and 17 with doctorates.
Syria held its first parliamentary elections since the political transition following the fall of the Assad regime in 2024, during a transitional period set at four years and subject to extension.
The People’s Assembly is responsible for proposing and passing legislation, amending or repealing laws, ratifying international treaties, approving the state budget, and endorsing general amnesties.
