President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria has announced sweeping changes to his administration through multiple presidential orders, marking the latest phase in ongoing governmental reforms that began following the establishment of a transitional government in March 2025.
Reports from Damascus indicate that Presidential Order No. 98 of 2026 has designated Abdul Rahman Badr al-Din Al-A’ma as the new secretary-general of the presidency. This appointment removes Dr. Maher al-Sharaa, the president’s brother, from his position after a brief period in office, bringing to a close a disputed selection that had generated significant public discussion.
Additional ministerial changes include Presidential Order No. 100 of 2026, which places Khaled Zaarour in charge of the information ministry, taking over from Hamza Al-Mustafa. Order No. 101 simultaneously designates Basel Hafez Al-Suwaidan as the new agriculture minister, succeeding Amjad Badr.
The administrative changes reach into regional leadership as well, with four new provincial governors receiving appointments. The president has selected Ghassan Al-Sayyed Ahmed to lead Quneitra province, while Marhef Khaled Al-Nassan will oversee Homs. Ahmed Ali Mustafa takes charge of Latakia, and Ziad al-Ayesh assumes leadership of Deir ez-Zor province.
These personnel moves follow the March 29, 2025 establishment of Syria’s transitional administration. The 23-member cabinet was characterized as a “government of reconstruction and stability” during the nation’s political transformation period.
The current administration has consistently implemented step-by-step institutional modifications, encompassing regular ministerial adjustments and high-level personnel changes, all aimed at updating government operations and enhancing effectiveness throughout critical departments.
Political observers interpret the recent personnel changes as the president’s strategy to restructure influential positions within the government structure. This comes particularly as various ministries face performance critiques, with the Ministry of Information receiving notable criticism, alongside continued discussions regarding the placement of presidential allies in crucial roles.
The removal of Information Minister Hamza Al-Mustafa has generated divided responses on Syrian social media platforms. Some citizens have commended his efforts to promote more transparent media communication compared to earlier periods, while critics contend that his ministry struggled to adapt to Syria’s quickly changing political and governmental landscape.
These recent modifications demonstrate Syria’s quickening institutional reorganization process, as presidential authority extends its influence across governmental departments, ministerial positions, and regional administrations, indicating comprehensive changes to the nation’s political and administrative framework.
