Syria announces first government reshuffle since al-Assad's ouster
Syria's transitional government has announced its first major cabinet reshuffle since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. The new appointments cover the economy, interior and foreign affairs portfolios and are seen as reflecting the country's effort to rebuild relations with the West.
Syrian state media said the transitional government has reshuffled six ministerial positions, headlined by the economy, interior and foreign affairs portfolios. It is the most extensive reshuffle of the transitional period that began with the December 2025 ouster of Bashar al-Assad.
The incoming economy minister has been leading technical talks with the IMF and World Bank that began last year. The foreign affairs portfolio went to Mahmoud Hammoud, the senior diplomat managing contacts with the United States and the European Union. The appointments have strengthened expectations that Western countries may begin a gradual easing of sanctions.
The government said the transitional structure will remain in place until first elections planned for October. Restructuring the security apparatus inherited from the Assad era remains a sensitive open question, with minority representatives pressing for a more transparent and consultative process.
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