Key facts
- Syria's newly elected parliament convened for the first time since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad.
- The session is a milestone in the country's political transition and aims to restart the legislative process.
- Two-thirds of the 210-member People's Assembly were elected, while one-third were appointed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
- Abdul Hamid al-Awak was elected as the new speaker of parliament.
Syria's newly elected parliament convened on Sunday for its first session since the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad, signaling a move towards restarting the legislative process amid recovery from decades of autocratic rule and civil war. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa presided over the session, emphasizing the consolidation of the state after regaining freedom. The parliament, comprising 210 members with two-thirds elected and one-third appointed, will serve a 30-month term to prepare for future elections. Abdul Hamid al-Awak, a former judge who reportedly defected from the Assad government, was elected speaker.