Syrian Politician: absolute centralization is the root of disaster

 The Syrian people, with all their diverse components and cultures, have the right to be an effective partner in shaping their country's future through a democratic political system that allows everyone women, youth, ethnic and religious groups to contribute to policymaking, resource management, and the development of the judiciary, economy, and society, thereby restoring Syria's cultural and historical role in the region and the world.

Regarding the obstacles to this, the official spokesman for the Future Syria Party, Iyad al-Khatib, told ANHA's agency: "The Ba'ath Party ruled Syria for decades, since coming to power in 1963. It adopted an absolute centralization that limited all powers and crucial decisions to the head of the regime, benefiting from the Ba'athist and authoritarian mentality."

He emphasized that this approach has deprived the Syrian people of their will and effective role in political participation and decision-making, whether in matters of war and peace or economic, social, and livelihood policies.

Al-Khatib attributed the explosion of the situation in Syria, beginning with the events of 2011, to these policies that marginalized the people and eliminated their role in the political scene. He pointed out that it was the ruling authority that robbed the people of their dignity.

He also warned that replacing one person with another within the same centralized system, as happened when power was transferred from father to son, changed nothing and led to the renewal of the same dictatorship.

The Disasters of Monopolization and Totalitarianism

Al-Khatib also explained that the perpetuation of the one-party system (the Ba'ath Party), the obligation to adhere to it to secure any position or job, and the Assad family's monopoly over power and decision-making, led to economic and social disasters and crises in Syria's regional environment, where the regime had sole control over decisions regarding peace, war, and international relations.

He described formal democratic institutions, such as the People's Assembly, as "ineffective."

The Future Syria Vision: Pluralism and Decentralization

Al-Khatib emphasized that the solution to the Syrian crisis, according to the Future Syria Party's vision since its founding in 2018, lies in transitioning from "absolute centralization" to a "pluralistic, democratic, decentralized Syria."

He emphasized that this fundamental shift in the form of government is the only guarantee for the participation of all Syrian components in decision-making and building the future.

He explained that decentralization means empowering the people and local communities to manage their regions and economic resources, and to build their judicial, economic, and social systems, while activating the role of all groups, "starting with the communes," and involving women and youth after decades of marginalization and exclusion.

A Historical and Civilizational Right

Al-Khatib concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the ancient Syrian people, with their extensive cultural history and who have exported civilizations, languages, and cultures, have the right to a system of government that is consistent with their pluralistic nature.

He emphasized that restoring the people's active role in shaping Syria's destiny is not only essential for the country's internal affairs, but will also have a positive impact on the entire region, reaffirming the historical footprint of the Syrian people in the Middle East and the world.

T/S

ANHA