Syrian parliament prepares to consider dozens of bills on reforming state institutions
In Syria, the People’s Council has begun coordination with executive bodies to move to a legislative phase aimed at updating the legal framework of state institutions. Its goal is to eliminate legal contradictions and gaps, as well as to more clearly delineate the powers of various bodies, Asharq Al-Awsat reports.
Legislative proposals
Speaker of the People’s Council Abdul Hamid Awak previously stated that priority would be given to bills submitted by the executive branch, while maintaining a balance with lawmakers’ initiatives. Ministries and state institutions have been working in recent months on new laws and regulations for submission to parliament.
Among the Interior Ministry’s proposals are legislation on its functions and powers, regulating firearm ownership, and combating crime. The proposals also include changes to the powers of the Ministry of Sports and Youth and institutions subordinate to it.
Separate measures concern strengthening the organizational structure and powers of the Ministry of Local Administration, its bodies and councils, as well as a financial law for administrative units. A committee of the Ministry of Agriculture is developing a draft on expropriation, property rights, and agrarian reform with the participation of other ministries.
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Upcoming sessions
The People’s Council is awaiting a draft of a new media law prepared by the Ministry of Information, journalists’ and media unions, and relevant committees. Future initiatives also include codes of judicial ethics and laws regulating the activities of the Ministry of Justice.
According to the publication’s interlocutors, parliament is approving newly created committees, determining their working procedures, and completing procedural preparations. The budget for parliament’s 30-month term is expected to be approved and published at a session in the second week of September. According to the source, it is to be the final session on internal matters before the legislative phase begins.
Members of the People’s Council named initiatives on transitional justice, political isolation, and civil service reform as priorities. At its first meetings, parliament may consider a law concerning people who were dismissed because of their position toward the former regime of Bashar al-Assad. The document may provide mechanisms for compensation, reinstatement, or appointment to another public job.
