Syria unveils first cabinet under President Ahmed al-Sharaa
This handout picture released by the Syrian Presidency shows President Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) during the appointment ceremony of Sheikh Osama al-Rifai (L) as Syria's new Grand Mufti, in Damascus on March 28, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Following the collapse of the 61-year Baath regime, Syria has unveiled its first cabinet under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. A swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed ministers was held at the People’s Palace in Damascus.
President al-Sharaa’s vision for Syria’s future
In his opening speech, President al-Sharaa declared, “Today marks the beginning of our journey toward the future we rightfully deserve. With strength from our past and unwavering determination, we embark on this new path.”
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in rebuilding state institutions. Addressing Syria’s deep-rooted economic and social challenges, al-Sharaa pledged to protect human rights, enhance fundamental freedoms, and improve education and healthcare to secure a better future for generations to come.
Together, we will rebuild our nation and prevent corruption from infiltrating our institutions. Justice is the foundation of everything, and this principle will guide every decision we make.
Sytia’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa
Al-Sharaa reaffirmed his government’s dedication to reform and national progress, stating, “We are committed to leading this nation toward change and development. We will work tirelessly to uphold the trust placed in us by the people.”
New cabinet ministers
The newly appointed ministers in President al-Sharaa’s government are as follows:
- Foreign Minister: Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani
- Defense Minister: Murhaf Abu Qasra
- Interior Minister: Anas Khattab
- Justice Minister: Mahzar al-Weis
- Higher Education Minister: Marwan Halabi
- Religious Affairs Minister: Mohammed Abu Khair Shukri
- Social Affairs and Labor Minister: Hind Kabawat
- Energy Minister: Mohammed Bashir
- Finance Minister: Mohammed Yusr Berniyye
- Economy Minister: Nidal Shaar
- Health Minister: Musab Nezzal al-Ali
- Local Administration Minister: Mohammed Anjerani
- Telecommunications Minister: Abdussalam Haykal
- Emergency and Disaster Management Minister: Raid Salih
- Agriculture Minister: Amjad Badr
- Education Minister: Mohammed Abdulrahman Terko
- Public Works and Housing Minister: Mustafa Abdurrazzaq
- Culture Minister: Mohammed Salih
- Youth and Sports Minister: Mohammed Samih Hamid
- Tourism Minister: Mazen Salihani
- Administrative Development Minister: Mohammed Sikaf
- Transport Minister: Yarub Badr
- Information Minister: Hamza Mustafa
Diverse representation in new cabinet
The new government includes representatives from various communities in Syria. Notable appointments include Hind Kabawat, a well-known figure from the Christian community, as Minister of Social Affairs and Labor; Amjad Badr, from the Druze-majority Suwayda region, as Minister of Agriculture; and Mohammed Abdulrahman Terko, from Afrin, as Minister of Education.
Additionally, Yarub Badr, who previously served as transport minister from 2006 to 2011 and hails from the Alawite-majority Latakia region, has returned to his former post.
Key appointments, continuity
A major shift in leadership is the appointment of Anas Khattab, the former head of intelligence, as Minister of the Interior, indicating a potential restructuring of the country’s security administration.
Meanwhile, the foreign and defense ministers have retained their positions, signaling continuity in Syria’s foreign and military policies.
This new government marks a pivotal moment in Syria’s political landscape, with a renewed focus on reform, transparency, and national reconstruction after decades of Baathist rule.
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