The Syrian Future Movement has followed with great interest and concern the decision issued by the Damascus Governorate on October 29, 2025, which stipulates that shops and markets in the city will be open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with limited exceptions.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that this decision, made without any prior consultation with economic or community stakeholders, is a clear example of the exclusion of public participation in policymaking and reflects a centralized approach to local governance, far removed from the principles of good governance and transparency.
While it aims to regulate economic activity and provide convenience for residents, it carries significant drawbacks that could hinder national recovery if not addressed, necessitating a comprehensive and objective review.
The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes its rejection of the principle of imposing administrative decisions without the participation of the local community, especially those that affect citizens’ daily lives, livelihoods, and lifestyles. It also notes that such measures lack transparency and open the door to selective application or excessive administrative overreach.
The Syrian Future Movement also emphasizes that imposing curfews in a city already suffering from severe economic and living crises could further restrict shop owners and their employees, limiting economic activity, especially in the absence of alternatives or government support. This would negatively impact revenues and increase seasonal unemployment rates.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that such decisions should be based on thorough field and economic studies, and coordinated with chambers of commerce, municipalities, and professional associations, to ensure they align with the public interest, rather than reflecting narrow, individualistic or security-focused perspectives. The negative impact on culture and tourism in a historic city like Damascus must also be considered.
The Syrian Future Movement warns of the security and social concerns arising from emptying the streets early, which could increase crime rates and reduce safety, particularly for women and families, and diminish the traditional urban vibrancy of the capital.
The Syrian Future Movement calls for a review of the decision and the initiation of a broad societal dialogue on regulating economic life in the city, taking into account Damascus’s unique status as an urban and historical center. This dialogue should ensure a balance between administrative regulation and freedom of civic activity, with a trial period for evaluation and the provision of financial support to those affected.
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its call for reforming local administration and activating the role of elected councils to guarantee genuine citizen representation in decisions affecting their daily lives, and to strengthen oversight mechanisms and clear penalties.
While expressing its solidarity with shop owners and residents of Damascus, the Syrian Future Movement affirms that building a modern and sustainable civil state can only be achieved through respecting the will of the people, enhancing popular participation, and enshrining the principles of justice and transparency in public affairs management, while maintaining a balance between regulation and economic freedom during the national recovery phase.
