Analysts Defend Syria’s New Leadership as ‘Legally Sound’ to TML
Syrian President al-Sharaa unveils plans for an inclusive transitional government, constitutional reforms, and unity. Legal experts defend his ‘revolutionary legitimacy’ as displaced Syrians demand swift rebuilding.
(Damascus) Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Thursday delivered his first official address as leader of the Syrian Arab Republic. He outlined his administration’s priorities for the transitional phase and called on all Syrians to take part in rebuilding the nation.
I invite all Syrians to join hands in building the new homeland
During his five-and-a-half-minute speech, al-Sharaa declared, “I invite all Syrians to join hands in building the new homeland.” He reaffirmed his commitment to forming an inclusive transitional government that reflects the country’s diversity and lays the foundation for new institutions.
Emphasizing the legality of his leadership, he stated, “I assumed responsibility for the country yesterday after extensive consultations with legal experts to ensure the political process proceeds in accordance with legal norms and gains the necessary legitimacy.”
Looking ahead, al-Sharaa announced plans to issue a constitutional declaration in the coming days. He has also formed a preparatory committee tasked with selecting a transitional legislative council, alongside another committee dedicated to organizing a national dialogue conference.
Legal Controversy Surrounding the Power Transfer
The legitimacy of al-Sharaa’s rise to power has sparked debate. In response, The Media Line consulted legal expert Mahmoud Hammam, who argued that al-Sharaa derives his authority from the Syrian revolution.
“Ahmed al-Sharaa, as the de facto president of Syria, draws his authority from revolutionary legitimacy, which granted him the right to lead Syria during the transitional period, backed by popular support and the group of officers who appointed him two days ago,” Hammam explained.
Further clarifying al-Sharaa’s role, Hammam stated that this transitional phase is focused on managing state affairs, drafting a new constitution, forming a parliament, and reviving political parties. Only after these steps can full legitimacy be established through elections, a point al-Sharaa emphasized in his speech.
Prioritizing National Unity
Ensuring stability and accountability are key priorities for al-Sharaa’s administration. He has vowed to restore civil peace and prosecute those responsible for crimes against the Syrian people, whether they remain inside the country or have fled abroad.
“We will ensure the territorial unity of Syria, a unified Syria under a single authority and on one land,” he declared—widely interpreted as a reference to Kurdish-controlled areas in the east.
Political analysts see both opportunities and risks in his leadership. Ayman Abdel Nour, a Syrian analyst based in Washington, noted that al-Sharaa enjoys significant popularity and could be the leader to unify Syria, but only under specific conditions.
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“There is widespread popular momentum and immense joy over the fall of Assad’s regime. This has granted al-Sharaa legitimacy as president. Building on this popular support is essential,” Abdel Nour told The Media Line.
Victory celebrations alone are not enough. A political framework and roadmap for the future must be presented.
Despite this momentum, he warned against complacency. “Victory celebrations alone are not enough. A political framework and roadmap for the future must be presented. Without that, no one can resist the will of the Syrian people, who largely support al-Sharaa.”
He added, “Al-Sharaa addressed several key issues in his speech, but he still faces the challenge of winning over all segments and regions of Syria.”
Path Toward Elections
Transitioning to an elected government remains a top priority. Al-Sharaa emphasized that his administration will oversee the process of organizing free and fair elections.
To ensure long-term stability, his government aims to establish strong state institutions rooted in efficiency, justice, and transparency—free from corruption, favoritism, or bribery. Additionally, he pledged to revitalize the economy to restore Syria’s regional and international standing.
Revolutionary Legitimacy and Legal Implications
Syrian journalist and legal expert Mohammad Al-Sattouf weighed in on the legal aspects of al-Sharaa’s presidency, describing it as a temporary transitional role grounded in revolutionary legitimacy.
“In constitutional legal theory, filling a power vacuum is an urgent necessity for a country’s political life. Although this process may deviate from traditional norms, it remains legally justified to ensure national stability,” Al-Sattouf told The Media Line.
Since assuming office, al-Sharaa has taken on the full authority of the executive branch, granting him the power to issue decrees, appoint officials, and establish a mini-legislative council.
“What al-Sharaa announced in his speech is legally sound, in my opinion,” Al-Sattouf said. “However, the constitutional declaration should not be delayed. It can be issued by al-Sharaa himself or by the legislative council once it is formed.”
Al-Sattouf also stressed the need for a clear timeline to implement al-Sharaa’s roadmap, as political and legal stability will depend on it. He warned that selecting committee members from a single political or social faction could compromise the impartiality of the legislative council and the national dialogue conference.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the government’s ambitious plans, major challenges loom. Millions of displaced Syrians have lived in refugee camps for years, and entire towns and villages remain in ruins—making the prospect of holding elections anytime soon uncertain.
Hassan, a displaced Syrian in Idlib, expressed frustration over the lack of progress in securing his return home. “I don’t care about politics. All I want now is to return to a safe and decent home,” he told The Media Line.
“We have been living in uninhabitable camps for over five years under extremely harsh weather conditions. Now, two months after the fall of the former regime, we hope the new administration will prioritize us. Our towns are destroyed and need reconstruction before we can return,” Hassan added.
What matters to me isn’t politics but finding a home to shelter my children
Umm Mahmoud, a refugee living in a camp along the Syrian-Turkish border, echoed his concerns. “What matters to me isn’t politics but finding a home to shelter my children,” she said after years of displacement.
Sweeping Decisions by the New Administration
Major policy shifts are already underway. On Wednesday, the new Syrian administration formally confirmed al-Sharaa’s appointment as president for the transitional period, nearly two months after the removal of former President Bashar Assad.
In a move signaling a break from the past, the administration announced the dissolution of all security agencies affiliated with Assad’s regime and the formation of a new security institution. It also dismantled the Ba’ath Party, the National Progressive Front, and all affiliated organizations and committees, along with suspending the Syrian constitution.
Additionally, the military operations administration declared the disbandment of all armed factions and revolutionary political and civil entities, integrating them into state institutions.
International Engagement and Cautious Optimism
Since Assad’s ouster and his subsequent flight to Moscow, Syria has seen a flurry of diplomatic activity, with delegations from various countries visiting to assess the situation.
While uncertainty remains, there is cautious optimism that Syria could transition from a war-ravaged state to a nation engaged in constructive dialogue with its neighbors and the global community.
