Syria's Transitional Government Formation: International Welcome and Domestic Rejection

Welat TV - Erbil

Several Arab and European countries have welcomed the formation of Syria's transitional government, while the decision has faced negative reactions from political and military circles within Syria.

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Syrian transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa announced the formation of a 23-member transitional government during an official ceremony at the Syrian presidential palace, with the ministers of foreign affairs and defense retaining their positions. International Support for Stability in Syria On Sunday, March 30, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the formation of Syria's transitional government, stating, "This step indicates that Syria’s new rulers are adopting an inclusive approach to leading the country."

The ministry called on the international community "to intensify its efforts to support Syria, including fully lifting sanctions to initiate the reconstruction process."

In a statement from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Paris declared its support for the new government in Syria, reaffirming its commitment to the principles set out in the Paris Declaration of February 13, following the international conference on Syria.

The ministry emphasized that "the European Union is ready to support the Syrian authorities in achieving a peaceful and inclusive political transition that safeguards pluralism and the rights of all Syrians while restoring Syria’s unity and sovereignty."

British Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Himesh Faulkner, tweeted on the platform "X," expressing the UK’s support for the new Syrian government and readiness to assist in building "an inclusive, stable, and prosperous future" for the Syrian people.

Similarly, German Special Envoy to Syria, Stefan Schneck, welcomed the appointment of the new government, affirming Germany’s readiness to support the Syrian people in reconstruction efforts.

Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also endorsed the transitional government, stating that it represents a step forward toward a peaceful and inclusive Syria that ensures national unity and territorial integrity.

The ministry pledged "continued support for the Syrian people and ongoing coordination with European partners and regional states to contribute to Syria’s stability and peace in the Middle East."

Arab Nations Welcome the New Syrian Government

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan have all welcomed the formation of Syria’s new government, emphasizing their support for the Syrian people’s aspirations for security, stability, and reconstruction.

Kurdish National Council Boycotts Government Announcement Ceremony

Earlier, Faisal Youssef, the official spokesperson for the Kurdish National Council (KNC) in Syria, confirmed that the council would not attend the upcoming government announcement ceremony, despite receiving an official invitation.

In an interview with "Welat TV" on Thursday, March 27, 2025, Youssef stated, "We in the Kurdish National Council will not attend the announcement ceremony because the new administration did not engage with us or consult us about the formation of this government."

He added, "Kurdish political forces represent and defend Kurdish people’s rights, and attending the ceremony holds no interest for us unless it ensures the achievement of our people’s demands."

Youssef further remarked, "We had hoped that the new administration would recognize the demands of the Kurdish people, who constitute Syria’s second-largest ethnic group, acknowledge their rights, and include them as partners in rebuilding Syria."

Autonomous Administration Rejects the New Syrian Government

The Autonomous Administration, controlled by the Democratic Union Party (PYD), has rejected the newly formed Syrian government, stating that it would not comply with its decisions.

In a statement released on Sunday, March 30, 2025, the Autonomous Administration declared, "The government announced in Damascus closely resembles its predecessor, as it fails to consider Syria’s diversity, continues to be dominated by a single faction, and does not provide fair and genuine representation for all Syrian communities."

The administration asserted that "it will not be bound by or implement decisions issued by this government," warning that "repeating past mistakes will only harm Syrians and will not lead to the launch of a comprehensive political process that can address the country’s outstanding issues and crises."

Suwayda Rejects a One-Party Government

The Military Council in Suwayda announced on Sunday, March 30, that it rejects a government dominated by a single party, emphasizing "the necessity of forming a decentralized government that represents all communities equally and without discrimination."

Al-Sharaa: No Quotas in the Formation of the New Government

On Monday, March 31, 2025, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated, "We announced the Syrian government two days ago without resorting to quotas; instead, we pursued participation." Speaking after Eid al-Fitr prayers at the People's Palace in Damascus, al-Sharaa added, "A great deal of effort went into selecting these ministers based on expertise and competence. Their primary concern is rebuilding the country, and our goal is change and improvement."

The formation of Syria’s transitional government follows al-Sharaa’s administration’s steps to organize a national dialogue conference and issue a constitutional declaration—measures that have faced rejection from most Syrian factions.