News and Commentary: The anniversary of Bashar al-Assad’s inaugural speech before the Syrian People’s Assembly and his assumption of power in the year 2000.

The Syrian Future Movement (SFM) , through its daily publications “From the Memory of the Syrian Revolution,” exceptionally commemorates the anniversary of Bashar al-Assad’s inaugural speech before the Syrian People’s Assembly, during which he became the President of the Syrian Arab Republic. This occurred after the death of his father, Hafez al-Assad, on June 10, 2000. At that time, Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam issued Legislative Decree No. (9) promoting Bashar to the rank of General at the age of 34 years and 10 months. Subsequently, Decree No. (10) was issued, appointing Bashar as the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Armed Forces.

Following Hafez al-Assad’s death on June 10, 2000, the Syrian People’s Assembly convened to amend Article No. (83) of the constitution, which stipulated that the president must be at least 40 years old, changing it to allow the president to be 34 years old.

Comments from the Syrian Future Movement (SFM):

1. At that time, the Syrian people were optimistic about entering a new phase with a young leader educated in Britain, hoping he would develop the country, which Hafez al-Assad had ruled with an iron grip. Bashar al-Assad released many political prisoners, allowed the establishment of independent newspapers, and permitted the formation of unofficial political forums for various opposition groups, giving Syrians hope for a new era of change in their country.
2. However, once Bashar al-Assad’s rule was firmly established, he gradually reversed these positive steps. He shut down political forums, restricted newspapers, expelled and arrested opposition figures, and reinstated the tight security grip, disappointing Syrians who had hoped for national institutions protecting the state, people, and nation instead of oppressing dissent.
3. The Syrian people were not wrong in their decision, as their positive stance towards Bashar al-Assad was based on a series of reform measures, especially his slogan of development and modernization. The mistake lay in the lack of power to prevent those in authority from reverting to authoritarian rule. This led to the Syrian people’s uprising against Bashar al-Assad’s repressive policies in 2011, and they continue to fight for their demands.
4. If there is any benefit from historical events, it is to learn from them for the future. We must not trust any speech, oath, or constitution without safeguards against authoritarianism. The Syrian people must remain vigilant in the upcoming phase when a new president takes the oath, ensuring that the cycle of deceit with sweet talk and seemingly positive actions does not repeat without guarantees for their continuity.

Finally, the problem in Syria is not constitutional but authoritarian. The constitution drafted by Hafez al-Assad was altered by Bashar in fifteen minutes, serving as a lesson for history.