• Syria's transitional parliament held its first session on Sunday following al-Assad's overthrow.
• The parliament, called the People's Assembly, has 210 members, two-thirds elected and the rest appointed.
• Key responsibilities include drafting a new constitution and improving public services amidst economic challenges.

Syria’s newly formed transitional parliament convened for its first session on Sunday, marking a significant step in the country's political transition following the ouster of longstanding ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The assembly is tasked with drafting a new constitution and establishing a democratic framework after decades of authoritarian rule. President Ahmed al-Sharaa, in his opening remarks, emphasized the need for lawmakers to prioritize national interests and to be “models of responsibility and competence” as they begin this critical chapter in Syria's history, according to SCMP and Al Jazeera.

The parliament consists of 210 members, with two-thirds elected through local electoral colleges and the remaining one-third appointed by President al-Sharaa. The selection process faced criticism for its undemocratic nature, being marred by the absence of direct elections. In his address, President al-Sharaa highlighted the assembly’s mission to "consolidate the state" and restore public services amid daunting economic conditions resulting from years of conflict, according to Al Jazeera and LA Times.

In the inaugural session, members took their oaths and elected Abdul Hamid al-Awak, a former judge and defector from the Assad regime, as the speaker of parliament. His election furthers the parliament’s aim to symbolize a break from the past and a commitment to a democratic future. Analysts noted that the parliament's first convening reflects an important milestone in Syria's political landscape, positioning it for future legislative developments, according to LA Times and SCMP.