“General Secretariat for Political Affairs” in Syria — New Baath Party?

The General Secretariat for Political Affairs, affiliated with the Transitional Government in Syria, has effectively replaced the Arab Socialist Baath Party—both in ideology and in physical presence. Recently, new signs bearing the Secretariat’s name were installed on the former headquarters of the Baath Party’s Central Command in Damascus. The move appears to replicate the Baath’s notorious model of political dominance, steering public life to serve the interests of the new ruling authority.

The signboard, as observed by ANHA Agency, displayed the title “General Secretariat for Political Affairs” alongside a logo identical to that used when it operated as a mere Department under the former Salvation Government, suggesting a direct institutional continuity.

On March 27, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Transitional Government established the General Secretariat for Political Affairs by ministerial decree, ostensibly to “strengthen political work.”

Since its official announcement in 2024, the body has operated under the authority of Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani, who had previously held the same post in the Salvation Government under the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham administration, then using the pseudonym Zaid al-Attar (Abu Aisha). He now appears publicly under his real name as the Transitional Government’s foreign minister.

This move, however, constitutes a clear constitutional violation, as the regulation of domestic political activity falls within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Interior—not the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Secretariat has established representatives across most regions controlled by the Transitional Government, including Damascus and its countryside; Aleppo; Latakia and Tartus; Homs; Hama; Daraa (along with Quneitra and Sweida); Deir ez-Zor; and Idlib.

It has already begun intervening in civil society affairs, dissolving the Central Council of the Bar Association and appointing an interim body—actions that raised serious legal doubts regarding its mandate. It also dismissed more than 28 healthcare employees from the Workers’ Hospital in Homs through its local branch.

According to Syrians, the General Secretariat for Political Affairs operates with the same mindset as the former Baath Party, seeking to reimpose a one-party rule under a new name.

A legal expert, who preferred to remain anonymous, told our correspondents that assigning the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the task of organizing internal political activities represents a grave constitutional overreach. The ministry’s role, he noted, is limited to diplomacy and foreign relations, and it holds no legislative or regulatory authority over domestic political life—especially amid the suspension of the previous constitution.

He added that such overlaps undermine the principle of separation of powers, granting the executive branch unchecked authority over political activity.

The expert further emphasized that the decree issued by the foreign minister establishing the General Secretariat for Political Affairs lacks any legal or legislative basis, as the minister holds no authority to create new political entities without approval from the People’s Assembly.

The decree’s reference to “reusing the assets of the Baath Party” also raises serious legal concerns, given the absence of any public judicial proceedings or legislation authorizing the ministry to dispose of party property or funds.

Syrian political observers view this opacity regarding funding sources and spending mechanisms as a blatant breach of financial transparency and international anti-corruption standards—casting deep doubt on the legal and political legitimacy of the General Secretariat for Political Affairs.

a.k

ANHA