Syria’s Foreign Ministry Establishes New Political Affairs Department
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday the creation of a new department, the “General Secretariat for Political Affairs,” tasked with overseeing political activities inside the country and contributing to policy formation.
The move comes as part of the broader restructuring following the dissolution of the Ba’ath Party and the National Progressive Front earlier this year. According to the ministry’s statement, the newly established secretariat will manage political initiatives, regulate events, and oversee the repurposing of assets previously controlled by the dissolved entities.
The decision follows the January 2025 announcement by Syria’s transitional authorities, led by the newly formed government, declaring the dissolution of the Ba’ath Party and its allied organizations. The ruling effectively ended decades of Ba’athist dominance, prohibiting any attempts to reconstitute the party under different names.
Hassan Abdulghani, spokesperson for the Military Operations Administration, stated at the time that all assets of the dissolved parties and affiliated organizations would be returned to the state. The new department within the Foreign Ministry is expected to play a key role in managing these resources and reintegrating them into state functions.
The establishment of the General Secretariat for Political Affairs signals an effort by Syria’s transitional government to restructure political governance. The secretariat is expected to contribute to shaping national policies and coordinating political activities under the legal framework of the new administration.
With Syria undergoing significant political transformation, the move highlights the government’s attempt to centralize political oversight and ensure continuity in governance while distancing itself from the former Ba’athist structure.
Despite these reforms, Syria’s political future remains uncertain. The restructuring of governance institutions and the redistribution of party-controlled assets could lead to power struggles among emerging political forces. The degree to which the new political affairs department will enable broader political participation or simply reassert state control remains to be seen.
As Syria navigates this transition, the international community and regional actors will closely monitor how the government’s restructuring efforts impact political stability and the broader reconciliation process.