Politicians: Decentralization is the path to building a democratic Syria

In light of the political transformations Syria is witnessing after the fall of the Ba'ath regime, decentralization emerges as a national and strategic option for rebuilding the state on democratic and pluralistic foundations.

Syrian political and women's figures affirmed that overcoming the effects of war and division requires redefining the relationship between the citizen and the state by empowering local communities to actively participate in decision-making and respecting the cultural and linguistic rights of all components.

In this context, Samira Al-Aziz, a member of the Presidential Council of the Future Syria Party, affirmed that the experience of Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria represents a unique model for building a democratic and pluralistic society that guarantees the participation of all Syrian components in decision-making, stressing that implementing decentralization is the solution to achieving coexistence and stability throughout the country.

Samira al-Aziz stated that the Syrian revolution, which began in 2011, was an expression of the Syrian people's needs and genuine demands for political participation and the establishment of a comprehensive constitution that preserves the true values ​​of Syria's diverse communities. She described these communities as a vibrant mosaic of ethnicities, religions, and cultures.

She added that the experience of Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria arose in response to these demands, focusing on building a decentralized democratic system that grants women and youth a real role through the formation of independent unions and organizations. She considered this model a comprehensive step towards a pluralistic and democratic Syria.

Regarding the one-party system of governance, Samira said that "the previous Syrian regime relied on a one-party approach to governance, rejecting pluralism and centralizing decision-making." She pointed out that the fall of the Assad regime in December 2014 did not achieve the desired change, as power was transferred to a new administration "that follows the same one-party approach," referring to the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham government, according to Samira al-Aziz.

Samira al-Aziz criticized the continued marginalization of Syrian communities and the worsening economic and living crises in various cities. She cited Homs, Hama, the coast, and Swedia as examples, arguing that the lack of decentralization in administration exacerbates the suffering of Syrians.

The member of the Presidential Council of the Future Syria Party concluded by saying that since its founding in 2018, the party has been working to achieve a democratic, pluralistic, and decentralized Syria. She emphasized that extending the autonomous administration model to all of Syria is the way to overcome the effects of war, displacement, and violence, and to reach a stage of national consensus and coexistence among all Syrians.

For her part, Nairuoz Hussein, spokesperson for the Women's Council of the Future Syria Party – Shahba Afrin Council, affirmed: "Decentralization represents the strategic and practical option for overcoming the current Syrian crisis." She stressed that it is the best way to strengthen cooperation between the people and local administrations according to the autonomous administration model, and to build a democratic state based on participation and genuine citizenship.

Nairuoz Hussein pointed to the pioneering role of Syrian women in various social, economic, and political fields, emphasizing that women today are proving their ability to actively contribute to shaping the country's future. She added, "Women today are confidently advancing towards leadership and decision-making positions, playing a pivotal role in achieving development and stability within society."

Nairuoz Hussein explained that the ongoing dialogues between representatives of the autonomous administration and the Syrian government are continuing in order to reach a formula that guarantees the implementation of decentralization in various Syrian regions.

She pointed out that one of the most important aspects of the decentralization project is working towards the return of displaced persons to their original areas and initiating the reconstruction process, in addition to achieving security and stability throughout the country. She emphasized that the individual must be at the center of this process and must exercise their natural right to speak their language and express their culture, as this is a legitimate and human right.

Nairuoz Hussein concluded by affirming that decentralization represents a fundamental pillar for building the future Syria, where all citizens enjoy freedom and equality, far removed from the restrictive centralization that has exacerbated crises and divisions.

ANHA