The Syrian Future Movement welcomes the decision issued by the Governor of Aleppo, Azzam al-Gharib, to form a central committee and subcommittees to regulate markets and street vendors in designated and carefully planned locations. This decision, issued on Friday, February 6, 2026, aims to control markets, address overcrowding and disorder, improve traffic flow, facilitate health and supply monitoring, raise hygiene standards, and enhance the overall urban landscape of Aleppo.
The Syrian Future Movement views this decision as a positive step towards restoring urban order in one of Syria’s largest cities, whose infrastructure has been damaged by years of conflict. Regulating markets and street vendors will contribute to strengthening the organized local economy, while respecting the specific characteristics of each area and providing a safe and healthy environment for both vendors and shoppers.
The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes the importance of this measure in the context of rebuilding Syrian cities. It addresses the commercial chaos that has spread as a result of the difficult economic conditions, opens up opportunities to attract local investment, improve public health, and alleviate traffic congestion, as part of the recovery efforts following the recent political changes.
The Syrian Future Movement appreciates the significant advantages of this development, including:
- Strengthening local governance and restoring state control over public spaces, which improves the urban landscape and reduces chaos and disturbances on the streets.
- Facilitating product monitoring to combat price gouging and monopolies, and raising hygiene standards for public health.
- Supporting the local economy by allocating well-planned locations and scheduling market days to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
At the same time, the Syrian Future Movement recognizes the accompanying challenges, including:
- The need to provide viable alternatives for the thousands of vendors who rely on street vending as their primary source of income amidst poverty and harsh economic conditions.
- The risk of protests if implementation is not accompanied by community dialogue, while ensuring that vulnerable groups are not harmed.
- The importance of transparency in implementation to prevent corruption or discrimination, while linking these steps to comprehensive national economic reforms.
The Syrian Future Movement presents its national vision for the future in this context, calling on the transitional government and relevant authorities to:
Develop a comprehensive plan for regulating markets, including streamlined licensing, temporary financial support for those affected, and training for vendors on adhering to health and urban planning standards.
Enhance community participation in determining locations and timelines to ensure social justice and a balance between urban planning and preserving citizens’ livelihoods.
Expand such initiatives to other governorates, while upholding the values of civic engagement and pluralism, so that urban planning becomes a model for sustainable development and civil peace.
The Syrian Future Movement calls on all national forces and local communities to support these efforts as part of Syria’s revival, towards clean, organized, and prosperous cities that guarantee dignity and justice for every citizen.
