Syrian Islamist opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Shams (HTS) and officials from the now-overthrown Assadist government appointed Mohammed al-Bashir to form a transitional government, Arab media sources reported on Monday.
Bashir was appointed after a meeting between Ahmad al-Sharaa, whose nom de guerre is Abu Muhammed al-Julani, and former Prime Minister under the Assad regime, Mohammad al-Jalali.
So far, only HTS has recognized Bashir's new position
Bashir has been serving as the fifth Prime Minister of the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) since January, which has been governing the HTS-controlled Idlib province, according to rebel media.
HTS was the primary group involved in the blitz offensive, which led to the eventual collapse of the Assad regime. It was one of several groups that seized control of Damascus on Sunday, and Julani has emerged as the primary figure amongst rebel groups.
Who is Mohammad al-Bashir?
Bashir was born in 1983 in the area of Jabal Zawiya in Idlib province, according to his CV published by the SSG.
He graduated from Aleppo University in 2007 with a bachelor's in electrical engineering. He graduated from Idlib University with a degree in Sharia and Law in 2021. He has received several other certificates in English and consulting.
Assadist troops massacred at least 100 people in Jabal Zawiya in 2011, with rebel groups claiming the number was significantly higher.
Bashir has served in various roles throughout the SSG; he was minister of development and humanitarian affairs from 2022 to 2023 before joining the Shura Council, the SSG's parliament, before finally being selected as Prime Minister with absolute majority in the council in January 2024.
According to Al Araby Al Jadeed, his campaign focused on e-government and automation of government services. His time in government saw a relaxation in real estate fees, planning regulations, and the expansion of Idlib City's zoning laws.
Members of the Shura Council explained to the Syrian opposition paper Enab Baladi the process through which the PM is elected. The council was composed of 77 members who were drawn from "all segments of Syrian society (residents of the north, displaced people, unions, tribes, activists, and media professionals)," according to the member.
More than ten council members must nominate a candidate, and if there is more than one candidate, they must win the confidence of two-thirds of the council, after which they have 30 days to form a government approved by the council.
The only requirements for nomination and ministerial position were being Syrian, married to a Syrian, not holding any other nationality, and having to have a “revolutionary character” with a revolutionary history before January 1, 2015. They must also possess at least a university degree and live within the Syrian territories.