Damascus: Syrian Transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced the formation of a new government on Saturday, March 30, nearly four months after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The announcement ceremony was held at the People’s Palace in Damascus.
While two key ministries remained unchanged—Asaad al-Shibani continued as Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Murhaf Abu Qasra stayed as Minister of Defense—several new appointments were made across other ministries:
- Minister of Interior: Anas Khattab
- Minister of Justice: Mazhar al-Wais
- Minister of Awqaf: Muhammad Abu al-Khair Shukri
- Minister of Higher Education: Marwan al-Halabi
- Minister of Social Affairs and Labor: Hind Kabawat (the first woman appointed to the new government)
- Minister of Energy: Mohammed al-Bashir
- Minister of Finance: Mohammed Yosr Bernieh
- Minister of Economy: Nidal al-Shaar
- Minister of Health: Musab Nazzal al-Ali
- Minister of Local Administration: Mohammad Anjarani
- Minister of Emergency and Disasters: Raed al-Saleh
- Minister of Communications: Abdulsalam Haykal
- Minister of Agriculture: Amjad Badr
- Minister of Education: Mohammed Abdul Rahman Turko
- Minister of Public Works and Housing: Mustafa Abdul Razzaq
- Minister of Culture: Mohammad Yassin al-Saleh
- Minister of Sports and Youth: Mohammed Saleh Hamid
- Minister of Tourism: Mazen al-Salhani
- Minister of Administrative Development: Muhammad Iskaf
- Minister of Transport: Yarub Badr
- Minister of Media: Hamza Mustafa
During the announcement, President al-Sharaa emphasized the significance of the new government, describing it as the start of a new chapter for Syria. He called for unity and highlighted that the government would focus on rebuilding state institutions based on transparency and accountability, with special attention to critical sectors such as education and healthcare.
“The formation of this new government marks a new era for Syria, one of unity and shared purpose. We will work tirelessly to develop human resources, promote education and healthcare, and ensure our citizens’ needs are met,” President al-Sharaa stated.
He also outlined several goals for the government, including the revitalization of the energy sector to ensure 24-hour electricity, supporting farmers to maintain food security, and encouraging industrial reform. Additionally, the President promised to strengthen the Syrian currency and address monetary issues.
“The new Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management will ensure that we are equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to any natural or humanitarian challenges,” he added. “We will also invest in technological advancements, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.”
The formation of this government comes after the appointment of Sheikh Osama al-Rifai as Syria’s Grand Mufti on March 29. It marks the end of the temporary caretaker government, which had been in place since January 29, 2024, following Ahmed al-Sharaa’s appointment as transitional president.
The new leadership has been created to represent all segments of Syrian society, as highlighted by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, who described the formation of the government as a historic step.
Dr. Sabri Hassan, Dean of the Administrative Sciences Faculty at Ebla Private University, emphasized the importance of building trust with the people, balancing security reforms with long-term social development through national dialogue, transitional justice, and compensation for victims.
The establishment of this government is viewed as a critical moment in Syria’s transition, with hopes that it will bring stability, reforms, and renewed hope to the war-torn nation.
