Syrian Caretaker Government Takes Charge Amid Transitional Period
In a significant development for Syria, caretaker Prime Minister Mohammad al-Bashir announced that the Salvation Government will oversee operations until a new constitution is established. During a cabinet session held on December 10, 2024, al-Bashir stated that the government is receiving files from the institutions of the ousted regime to facilitate a smooth transition. He emphasized that the General Command has entrusted him with managing the transitional government until March 1, 2025.
The inaugural meeting of the transitional government took place in Damascus, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, the commander-in-chief of the Operations Department. This meeting included key figures from the previous regime, such as former Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi al-Jalali, alongside ministers from the Salvation Government who recently arrived from Idlib. The focus of this meeting was on maintaining security, providing essential services, and ensuring a seamless transition to a permanent government.
Priorities and Future Plans for the Transitional Government
Sources within the political administration in Damascus revealed that the caretaker government is prioritizing the dissolution of security services and the abolition of terrorism laws. Additionally, there are plans to review the current state of the army and reorganize the political administration. Al-Bashir's appointment followed discussions aimed at preventing chaos in Syria during this critical period.
The Salvation Government, which claims to have started from scratch, is expected to play a crucial role in stabilizing the country. Meanwhile, government departments are preparing to resume operations after a brief closure due to the armed opposition's control over Damascus. Al-Jalali has urged public sector workers to return to their duties and ensure the provision of services to citizens, despite the ongoing challenges posed by external threats, including recent Israeli bombings in the vicinity of the capital.