This article discusses the new Syrian government formed on the 29th of March 2025, the second transitional government under the presidency of Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The new government of Syria, formed by Ahmed al-Sharaa on the 29th of March, has four ministers from either an ethnic or religious minority background who do not have a previous affiliation with the now ruling faction, Hay’at Tarir al-Sham(HTS). Additionally one of the HTS government members is of an Alawite background. This government claims to break from the Assad led governments of the past, and be more inclusive with a clear separation of powers. However, the Kurdish regional government disagrees with this, regarding the new government as “largely similar to its predecessors in that it fails to take into account Syria’s diversity”. The Syrian Constitutional Declaration, brought into effect on the 13th of March, has also gained criticism based on the concentration of powers it gives to the President.
The Syrian government argue that the appointments are based upon experience, with any minority appointments being made not based on their minority status but their expertise. However, arguably, the appointments give a symbolic nod to pluralism, giving allies of the ruling HTS party the ministries with the most power whilst consolidating power in the Presidential system. The Syrian government has however been under considerable pressure from both western and Arab countries to make the new cabinet more inclusive of the country’s diverse and ethnic communities. Al Jazeera claimed that al-Sharaa was “trying to show Syrians and the world the new government is reflecting the diversity of Syria“. Nine ministries are under the control of Ha’yat Tarir al-Sham affiliated individuals, There were 17 ministries in the first Transitional Government.
The main ministries, the interior, defence, foreign affairs, energy and justice ministries are all under the control of HTS members and political allies of the President. There are some ministries that have major remits, including the ministry of Transport, information, health and finance whose offices are not occupied by HTS members, some even under the control of ministers that were previously involved within previous Syrian Ba’athist government.
Does this represent real change?
This government is different to the previous transitional cabinet put in place, with considerable changes made in appointments it appears that at least some attempt has been made to make the government look more inclusive, with the number of HTS members or affiliated down significantly from the first transitional cabinet.
However, this must come with a note of caution, only four ministers are from ethnic and religious minorities which is not representative of the Syrian population with Arabs overrepresented within the cabinet and other ethnic minorities consequently underrepresented or not represented at all. Additionally, the only Kurdish minister, Mohammed Abdul Rahman Turko, is not from the Kurdish opposition political group. This gives the appearance of political representation in name only.
This government has many problems, with a clear concentration of power within Hay’at Tahir al-Sham circles, encompassing the major ministries and the Presidency. This government’s lack of a clear timeframe for elections is also concerning, the new constitutional declaration not setting an end date for the transition to democracy. An additional issue is that some of the ministers have been considered by the United Nations to be associated with terrorism. It remains to be seen if these individuals will regress to a more extreme type of politics.
A further note of caution is the pure concentration of power that is in the hands of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, with the office of the Prime Minister being abolished by the President with the setup of the second transitional government. This transitioned the government to a purely presidential system where President al-Sharaa takes on the roles and responsibilities of the Prime Minister, including the responsibility of hiring and firing ministers and the appointment of a third of People’s Assembly members directly whilst also creating the committee that appoints the other two thirds. This has given the President incredible power over the legislative process in addition to their executive powers. President Ahmed al-Sharaa promised reform, with “no single ruler” able to make arbitrary decisions, however the concentration of power al-Sharaa has created would allow him to do just that if he so chose.
We at The Next Century Foundation hope that the new government of Syria will defy expectations, bringing peace and prosperity to the Syrian nation whilst using their powers in limited and justifiable means. Whilst this new government has only recently been appointed on the 29th of March, it is important to showcase the backgrounds of individual ministers whilst also showcasing what the offices of all 23 ministries are responsible for,
Throughout this article if not otherwise stated the ministers will be considered to have been appointed on the 29th of March 2025 when the second transitional government was established.
President of Syria
Office holder: Ahmed al-Sharaa; Party affiliation: HTS
The office of the President of Syria holds considerable powers and responsibilities, responsible for managing national governance, preserving territorial integrity and protecting the interests of the people. The powers according to the 2025 interim constitution include the ability to pardon individuals, the proposition of laws, the appointing of ministers and in addition is considered the Commander in Chief of all Syrian armed forces.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the first holder of the office since the fall of the Assad government, is a former militia leader, creating the al-Nusra front in 2012 to fight in the Syrian civil war. In 2017 he created Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) by merging with other groups, creating an administration in the Idlib governorate known as the Syrian Salvation Government. He became the leader of the transitional government in Damascus after the fall of the Assad government and officially became the President on the 29th of January. His leadership has been described as a monocracy by NCF Secretary General William Morris.
Minister of Administrative Development
Office holder: Mohammad Skaf; Party affiliation: HTS
The Ministry of Administrative Development is responsible for the cooperation and coordination with the public and other authorities, the ministry undertakes the review and study of the laws within the Syrian state. It works on reforming administrative structures, enhancing efficiency and implementing government initiatives.
Mohammad Skaf, the current office holder, holds a professional master’s degree in administration from Idlib University. Skaf had held several important positions in the administrative and financial fields, being a member of the Administrative Monitoring Committee, head of the General Financial Budgets Committee, Director of Fixed Assets Managements, General Manager of Human Resources Management and head of the Organisational Structures Committee whilst serving within the Idlib based opposition government.
Minister for Agriculture and Agrarian Reform
Office holder: Amjad Badr; Party affiliation: Independent
The Syrian Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for managing the country’s agricultural sector and ensuring food security. It formulates policies to promote sustainable farming practices, enhance productivity, and support rural development. The ministry oversees irrigation, crop production, and livestock management. It also works on agricultural research and innovation to improve efficiency. Additionally, the ministry addresses issues related to land use, climate change, and agricultural exports.
The current minister, Amjad Badr from Sweida, holds postgraduate degrees in agricultural economics from Aleppo University. He has produced research at this level focusing on wheat productivity and how to manage these limited resources to have sustainable agriculture. He is also one of the four ministers who is from an ethnic minority, himself from the Druze community.
Minister for Communications and Information Technology
Office holder: Abdul Salam Haykal; Party affiliation: Independent
The Syrian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology manages the country’s telecommunications and digital infrastructure. It oversees internet, mobile networks, and satellite communications, ensuring security and accessibility. The ministry promotes e-government initiatives and digital innovation to foster economic development. It also regulates technology usage across various sectors and supports tech startups. Its goal is to enhance Syria’s technological capabilities and connectivity.
The new minister, Abdul Salam Haykal, is a Syrian entrepreneur and media innovator. He founded Haykal Media and Transtek Systems, and helped launch the Arabic content platform Majarra. Haykal holds degrees from the American University of Beirut and SOAS, University of London. He has served as a trustee of AUB and is active in Arabic language and tech advisory councils. In his role, he is expected to lead Syria’s digital transformation.
Minister for Defence
Office holder: Murhaf Abu Qasra; Party affiliation: HTS
The Ministry of Defence is responsible for all defence affairs of the Syrian state including the management of the army, air force and navy. The ministry is also responsible for the recruitment, training and equipping of military personnel and oversees the defence spending and military infrastructure. Most notably after the Syrian Revolution Victory Conference they are responsible for the incorporation of Syrian rebel groups that were part of the Syrian Opposition.
Murhaf Abu Qasra, the current minister, led the armed wing of HTS for over five years, having a key role in the offensive that took out Assad in December. He has considerable military experience from the rebel side, being considered one of the main strategists for the 2024 offensives. He notably created the Shaheen Brigades, the HTS drone unit, showcasing his innovative nature. An additional point is that he is a former agronomist, an expert in soil management.
Minister for Economy and Foreign Trade
Office Holder: Nidal al-Shaar; Party affiliation: Independent
The Syrian Ministry of Economy and Foreign Trade is responsible for formulating and implementing the country’s economic policies, managing foreign trade, and promoting economic development. It oversees trade agreements, import and export regulations, and foreign investments. The ministry also works to stabilize Syria’s economy, control inflation, and support key industries. Additionally, it is involved in negotiations with international bodies and foreign governments to secure trade deals and improve Syria’s economic position.
The serving minister, Nidal al-Shaar, previously served in this position during the Ba’athist government, having served as minister from the 11th of April 2011 until the 23rd of June 2012 within Adel Safar’s government. He has considerable economic expertise, holding a Ph.D. in economics from George Washington University, going on to serve as a professor at the University of Aleppo from 1996 to 2001.
Minister for Education
Office Holder: Mohammed Abdul Rahman Turko; Party Affiliation: Independent
The Syrian Ministry of Education is responsible for overseeing the country’s educational system, from primary to secondary education. It sets curricula, manages schools, and ensures the implementation of educational policies. The ministry is also tasked with teacher training and the accreditation of educational institutions. In addition, it works to improve educational infrastructure and access to education across Syria. The Ministry of Education plays a crucial role in shaping the future workforce of Syria, promoting literacy, and addressing the educational needs of children and youth across the country.
The new minister is Mohammed Abdul Rahman Turko, he stated that he was ready to do what he can for his country. An important thing to note is that he is one of the four ministers that is from a Syrian ethnic minority, being from the Kurdish minority himself. He is a former legal scholar from Afrin; however, he is not from the Kurdish-led SDF administration, which is not represented, potentially leaving out a large portion of the country.
Minister for Awqaf
Office Holder: Mohammed Abu al-Khair Shukri; Party affiliation: Syrian National Coalition (formerly).
The Syrian Ministry of Awqaf (Ministry of Religious Endowments) is responsible for managing religious affairs and overseeing Islamic institutions in the country. Its duties include the supervision of mosques, religious schools, and Islamic universities, as well as the administration of waqf (Islamic endowments) that fund religious and charitable activities. The ministry also regulates religious education, issues fatwas (Islamic legal opinions), and monitors sermons in mosques to ensure they align with state-approved messages. Additionally, it manages Syria’s participation in the Hajj pilgrimage and promotes religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue. By controlling religious discourse and institutions, the ministry plays a key role in shaping the religious landscape in Syria according to the government’s policies.
The current minister, Mohammed Abu al-Khair Shukri, holds a Ph.D in Sharia and Law from the University institute for Daawa in Beirut. during the first Eid al-Fitr since the fall of the Assad Government he urged Syrians to continue their efforts to rebuild the country, stating “Everyone in Syria is invited to participate in this construction“. He is affiliated with the Syrian National Coalition, a political opposition group that was started in 2012 after the beginning of the civil war, it has recently declared its allegiance to the transitional government and and announced its dissolution into the new administration.
Minister for Finance
Office Holder: Mohammed Yusr Barniyeh; Party affiliation: Independent
The Syrian Ministry of Finance is responsible for managing the country’s financial and economic policies, overseeing public revenue, and controlling government spending. Its key functions include budgeting, managing tax collections, overseeing customs duties, and regulating the national banking sector. The ministry also handles economic reforms, ensures the proper allocation of public funds, and supervises state-owned financial institutions. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in formulating fiscal policies, monitoring economic stability, and coordinating with international financial organisations. By managing Syria’s financial resources, the Ministry of Finance aims to support economic development, maintain public services, and ensure the financial sustainability of the government.
Mohammed Yusr Barniyeh is the new minister. He holds a degree in economics from Damascus University in addition to postgraduate degrees. He established the Syrian Securities and Financial Markets Commission in addition to having a pivotal role in the creation of the Damascus Stock Exchange, additionally he interned with the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank in 1996, joining the Arab Monetary Fund shortly after, rising to be appointed the head of financial markets at the fund. He is clearly well qualified for the position.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates
Office holder: Asaad al-Shaibani; Party affiliation: HTS
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates is responsible for managing the country’s foreign relations, representing Syria internationally, and overseeing the activities of Syrian diplomats and embassies abroad. Its duties include formulating and implementing foreign policy, negotiating international treaties and agreements, and coordinating with other governments and international organisations. The ministry also handles consular services for Syrian citizens living abroad, including issuing passports and visas, as well as advocating for the rights and interests of the Syrian expatriate community. Additionally, it plays a central role in Syria’s diplomatic efforts, engaging in dialogue on political, economic, and security matters with other nations while navigating regional and global dynamics.
The serving minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, gained a degree in English language and Literature in the University of Damascus. He further gained a master’s degree in political science from Istanbul Selahattin Zaim University in 2022. He was a founding member of the Al-Nusra front, the al-Qaeda branch in Syria, along with Ahmed al-Sharaa (the now President). He was responsible for managing the groups foreign relations in addition to overseeing the transition into what is now known as HTS. He has signaled a focus on reconstruction and economic development, showcasing his commitment to reshaping the foreign policy of the Syrian state and breaking from the previous government’s policy, including attending the World Economic Forum where he called for the removal of sanctions on Syria.
Minister for Higher Education
Office Holder: Marwan al-Halabi; Party affiliation: Independent
The Syrian Ministry of Higher Education oversees universities, institutes, and academic research in the country. It is responsible for setting educational policies, accrediting institutions, and ensuring quality standards in higher education. The ministry also manages scholarships, academic programmes, and faculty appointments. Additionally, it supports scientific research and collaborates with international academic institutions. Its goal is to develop an educated workforce and promote academic excellence in Syria.
The current office holder, Marwan al-Halabi, is one of the leading scientific minds within the Syrian state, holding a Ph.D. in Reproductive Medicine and Genetics. He previously served as the head of department for reproductive medicine, genetics and embryology at faculty of medicine of Damascus University.
Minister for Information
Office Holder: Hamza al-Mustafa; Party affiliation: Independent
The Syrian Ministry of Information is responsible for overseeing the country’s media landscape, including print, broadcast, and digital outlets. It regulates news and information dissemination, ensuring alignment with state policies and goals. The ministry also manages state-owned media organisations, such as television and radio stations, and works to promote government perspectives. It plays a key role in shaping public opinion and controlling the narrative on political and social issues. Additionally, the ministry regulates media content to prevent misinformation and ensure adherence to national laws.
The new minister, Hamza al-Mustafa is a Syrian academic and media executive. He earned his PhD from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. Prior to his current role, al-Mustafa was a researcher at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, focusing on political and social issues in Syria and the broader region. He also served as the Director General of Syria TV, overseeing its operations and editorial direction.
Minister for Health
Office Holder: Mosaab Nazzal al-Ali; Party affiliation: Independent
The Ministry of health is responsible for the overseeing of the healthcare system within the state of Syria, the ministry is responsible for the managing and rebuilding of the healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, clinics and health centers. It also is responsible for the supervision of the healthcare workforce, issuing licences and training healthcare professionals. With over 40% of the health infrastructure destroyed within the state due to the Civil war, 43% of hospitals were reported damaged, of which 9% were fully damaged, this is a very large undertaking.
The minister, Mosaab Nazzal al-Ali, is a German educated physician from Deir Ezzor, also holding German Citizenship. He has pledged to transform the health system by rehabilitating hospitals and expanding healthcare access.
Minister for Interior
Office Holder: Anas Khattab; Party Affiliation: HTS
The Syrian Ministry of the Interior is responsible for maintaining internal security, law enforcement, and public order within the country. It oversees the police force, civil defence, and emergency services, ensuring the safety of citizens and responding to emergencies. The ministry also manages immigration, passports, and civil registration, including the issuance of national IDs and birth certificates. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in controlling border security and monitoring internal movements. The Ministry of the Interior is central to enforcing government policies, regulating public behavior, and handling civil unrest or security threats within Syria.
Anas Khattab, the current minister, was the deputy commander of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and head of the General Intelligence Service in the first transitional government. He was appointed to the interior ministry after the second transitional government was made. Formerly he was associated with Al-Qaeda according to the United Nations and was additionally a member of the Al-Nusra front’s shura council.
Minister for Justice
Office holder: Mazhar al-Wais; Party Affiliation: HTS
The Ministry of Justice is responsible for all Judicial affairs in Syria, the minister of Justice is responsible for the appointment of Judicial, presiding over the Supreme Judicial Council who promote and transfer judges. It ensures the implementation of laws, regulations and judicial systems in addition to supervising courts, judges and legal procedures. The structure of the ministry is also a cause for concern, which also includes the Ministry of Religious Education, this implicitly creates a sovereign Islamic jurisprudence and produces a judiciary with a singular vision.
Mazhar al-Wais replaced Shadi al-Waisi as Justice Minister on the 29th of March. He was a former judge from northern Syria, judging in the Al-Nusra front controlled territory in addition to HTS territory. He has a background in Islamic jurisprudence, contributing to the establishment of the Ministry of Justice in northern Syria. He in his first speech stated that he will work to reform the legislative structure and achieve transitional justice.
Minister for Local Administration and Environment
Office holder: Mohamed Anjrani; Party affiliation: HTS
Minister for Energy
Office holder: Mohammed al-Bashir; Party Affiliation: HTS
The Ministry of Energy is responsible for the supervision of the energy sector, involving the modernisation of the industry in line with world standards and the procurement of funding for its projects and those within the industry. This ministry was created through a merger of the Ministry of Electricity and the Ministry of Oil and Mineral Resources, taking the responsibilities of both ministries. Given the ongoing power outages in Syria, one as recently as the 1st of April, the ministry has a massive task ahead of it to restore the provision of electricity in Syria, both by ensuring the viability of the electricity grid and the viability of the sources of energy. This ministry is regarded as one of the most powerful, as it represents interests of both interior and international variety.
Mohammed al-Bashir, the former Prime Minister in the first transitional government, is now serving as the Minister for Energy after the second transitional government was established which saw the abolition of the office of Prime Minister. He also served previously in the Syrian Salvation Government as the 5th and final Prime Minister of the opposition government. From an educational standpoint he graduated from the University of Aleppo in 2007 with a degree in electrical engineering and in 2020 gained a degree from Idlib University in Sharia and Law.
Minister for Transport
Office holder: Yaarub Bader; Party Affiliation: Independent
The Ministry of Transport in Syria is responsible for developing and regulating the country’s transportation infrastructure, including roads, railways, aviation, and maritime sectors. It oversees the maintenance and expansion of highways, supervises railway operations, and manages airports and seaports to ensure efficient movement of goods and passengers. The ministry also implements policies to modernize transportation systems, enhance safety standards, and support economic development by improving connectivity within Syria and with international trade routes.
The current minister is Yaarub Bader. He is one of the four ministers that is from an ethnic minority within the new administration, himself being from the Alawite community. He previously served in this role from 2006-2011 in the government headed by Mohammad Najjii Outri. This appointment is particularly interesting due to this previous service to the former government, which was recently overthrown, with his experience seen as valuable. Furthermore, he served with the ESCWA: the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia.
Minister of Culture
Office holder: Mohammed Saleh; Party Affiliation: Muslim Brotherhood
The Syrian Ministry of Culture promotes and preserves the country’s cultural heritage, arts, and national identity. It oversees museums, theaters, libraries, and cultural festivals. The ministry supports artists, writers, and cultural institutions through programmes and funding. It also works to safeguard Syria’s historical sites and intangible heritage.
Mohammed Saleh, a Syrian journalist born in western Damascus in 1985. This role was previously vacant since the fall of the Assad Government and has only been filled with the introduction of the second transitional government. He previously was a member of the Muslim Brotherhood and holds British citizenship, additionally Saleh was a journalist with Al Jazeera, joining in 2012, hosting programmes on media and culture during his time there.
Minister of Social and Labour Affairs
Office Holder: Hind Kabawat; Party affiliation: Independent
The Ministry of Social and Labour Affairs is the main authority administrating labour affairs. The ministry is responsible for labour and employment, occupational health and safety, public sector employment, poverty reduction and the development of a social security system.
Hind Kabawat is the new minister. Hind Kabawat holds a degree in Commerce and Economics from the University of Damascus and a master’s degree from the Fletcher School at Tufts University of Law and Diplomacy. She served as the deputy head of the Syrian Negotiation Commission’s Geneva Office, the office that represented the Syrian opposition during the Civil war, and participated in all eight rounds of the Geneva peace talks in Syria. She also is one of the four ministers from either a religious and ethnic minority, herself being a Christian along with also being a dual national, holding Canadian Citizenship.
Minister of Public Works and Housing
Office holder: Mustafa Abdul Razzaq; Party affiliation: HTS
The Syrian Ministry of Public Works and Housing oversees urban planning, construction projects, and housing development. It manages infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and public buildings. The ministry also works to provide affordable housing and regulate building standards. Its goal is to support reconstruction and sustainable urban development across Syria.
Mustafa Abdul Razzaq, the current minister, has experience in the engineering fields, holding a degree in Civil Engineering from Aleppo University. He has held leadership positions within the Syrian Interim Government, the previous opposition led government in Idlib, including being the head of the Engineering Studies and Supervision department.
Minister of Youth and Sports
Office holder: Mohammed Sameh Hamedh; Party affiliation: HTS
The Ministry of Youth and Sports is tasked with implementing policies to support and promote youth programmes and sports initiative across Syria. The minister’s responsibilities include fostering youth engagement, rehabilitating sports infrastructure and encouraging participation in both national and international sporting events. This ministry is new, not having previously been
The minister, Mohammed Sameh Hamedh, is the inaugural holder of the office. We were unable to find considerable information on him however we can confirm that he is affiliated with Hay’at Tarir al-Sham. In his first speech during the confirmation of the new Syrian cabinet he stated that “sport plays a pivotal role in societies” and that it plays a crucial role in “social and economic development”.
Minister of Tourism
Office holder: Mazen al-Salhani; Party affiliation: Independent
The Ministry of Tourism is responsible for the tourism industry in Syria, their role is to develop strategies to attract international visitors, the restoration of historic sights and the promotion of Syria’s cultural heritage.
Mazen al-Salhani, the current minister, is a recognized businessman according to the Jerusalem post. In his first speech at the conference in which his appointment was announced he asked people to “come and discover Syria’s treasures, the beauty of its enchanting nature and the dignity of its original people“. In this speech he also stated that he wanted to turn Syria into a global tourist destination through the “acquisition of the most prominent hotel landmarks and the development of innovative tourist destinations“.
Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management
Office Holder: Raed al-Saleh; Party affiliation: Independent
The Syrian Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management is responsible for coordinating the country’s response to natural and man-made disasters. It oversees emergency planning, risk reduction, and crisis response operations. The ministry works with local and international agencies to ensure preparedness and rapid relief efforts. Its mission is to protect civilians and infrastructure during emergencies.
The current minister, Raed al-Saleh, was the director of the White Helmets (A volunteer organisation that during the civil war conducted search and rescue efforts in opposition led areas. This organisation gained international recognitions for their efforts, having saved an estimated 120,000 lives throughout the conflict since being founded in 2013. in 2017 he was named as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential individuals. Being appointed to this ministry will allow him to use his expertise in this area to combat future natural disasters and emergencies within the state.
