Main points
- Despite early commitment to transparency, accountability, and justice, the new Syrian Transitional Government (STG) faces the challenge of translating rhetoric into tangible institutional reform.
- Our findings highlight trends and practices in reform in the security sector and economic governance.
- While the MoI has attempted to position civil participation as part of its reform portfolio, the MoD has largely avoided inclusion.
- In the economic sector, the current concentration of power centralises decision-making in the hands of the president and his close affiliates.
- While some transparency initiatives have emerged, it remains unclear how to incorporate public input into decision-making. Questions remain about the independence and representativeness of key economic institutions.
- Patterns of elite capture and favouritism have emerged. There are issues around former regime affiliates and how they have reconciled with the new authorities. Some remaining links to the former regime have seen no legal action and remain unprosecuted for economic crimes.
- New economic institutions concentrate power within the presidency, and limit independent oversight.
- Other ministerial responsibilities have shifted to the presidency, consolidating decision-making authority in the hands of the president and his close affiliates – including the president’s brother, former Syrian caretake government ministers, and other individuals linked to the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham network.
- To enhance the credibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of anti-corruption initiatives, the STG should focus on reforms that strengthen institutional capacity, formalise accountability, and expand genuine civic participation.
