Syria's Interim President Signs Temporary Constitution Amid Skepticism

On March 14, 2025, Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Shara, signed a temporary constitution that promises individual freedoms but also grants significant authority to his office and maintains Islamic law as the cornerstone of the legal framework. This move comes after the dissolution of the previous constitution under ex-president Bashar al-Assad, heralding what al-Shara describes as a transformative chapter for Syria after years of autocratic rule and civil strife. The new declaration, signed at the presidential palace in Damascus, pledges to protect civil liberties, including freedom of expression and women's rights, during a five-year transition period leading to new elections and a permanent constitution. However, doubts linger among the nation's diverse ethnic and religious groups regarding al-Shara's commitment to inclusivity, given his leadership of an Islamist extremist faction in the past.

Provisions of the temporary constitution bestow the president with substantial powers, such as the capacity to impose a state of emergency and personally appoint a third of an interim legislature, while the remainder will be elected through the president's designated electoral commissions. Al-Shara's promises of reform will need to be closely scrutinized as Syrian citizens cautiously examine the implications of his unilateral power at a critical juncture in the nation’s recovery.