The Transitional Government Adopts a Baath-Like Organizational Model in Celebrations of Its Fall Anniversary

The General Secretariat for Political Affairs in Syria’s transitional government is moving toward implementing broad organizational measures for the celebrations marking the anniversary of the “fall of the Baath regime.” These measures come through circulars directed to educational and service institutions, calling for mandatory participation in activities, raising flags, and organizing celebrations inside schools and official departments.

According to local sources, the Secretariat emphasized the need for full compliance with the directives, noting the possibility of holding accountable any entities that do not adhere to the scheduled activities. The circulars included holding celebratory events in schools, playing anthems during the morning assembly, and raising banners carrying slogans related to Syrian territorial unity and coexistence.

These measures follow the decision issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 27, 2025, establishing the “General Secretariat for Political Affairs” with the aim of “enhancing political work,” according to the text of the decision. The former Central Command building of the Baath Party in Damascus was adopted as its new headquarters after installing signs bearing its name.

Available information indicates that the Secretariat has adopted an organizational approach similar to the mechanisms previously used by the Baath Party in managing official occasions, including the use of centralized circulars and the determination of slogans and event content.

These steps have sparked debate in local communities, especially with budgets allocated for decorations and events at a time when government institutions are facing financial and service-related difficulties, according to discussions circulating among citizens in areas under the control of the transitional government.

The General Secretariat for Political Affairs is affiliated with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in the transitional government, Asaad Al-Shaybani, who previously held positions in other local administrations before appearing under his current name. The Secretariat has representatives in several provinces, including Damascus and its countryside, Aleppo, Latakia, Tartous, Homs, Hama, Daraa, Quneitra, Sweida, Deir Ezzor, and Idlib.