The Eighth People's Assembly () was the eighth legislative term of the People's Assembly of Syria. It served from 9 March 2003 until 8 March 2007 and was the first parliament elected after Bashar al-Assad assumed the presidency.

Elections

Legislative elections were held on 2–3 March 2003. The newly elected assembly, composed of 250 members including 30 women, convened for its first session on 9 March 2003.

Its membership represented the parties of the National Progressive Front, including the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party, the Syrian Communist Party (Bakdash), the Syrian Communist Party (Unified), the Arab Socialist Union, the Socialist Unionists, the Democratic Socialist Unionist Party, the Arab Socialist Movement, the Arab Democratic Union Party, the Syrian Social Nationalist Party, the National Covenant Party, as well as independent deputies.

Bureau Position Name Party Tenure Speaker Muhammad Naji al-Otari Mahmoud al-Abrash Deputy Speaker Muhammad Issam al-Jammal Nasser Qaddour Secretary Muhammad Nihad Mishantat Inam Abbas Ahmad al-Shami Overseer Muhammad al-Habash Haneen Nimr

Members

Legislative activity

During the broader period from 2000 to 2007, more than 1,200 laws, decrees, and administrative decisions were issued, contributing to reforms aimed at improving the business environment and transitioning Syria toward a social market economy under the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2006–2010).

In December 2005, the assembly held a notable session in which accusations of high treason were directed against former Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam.

International role

The assembly expanded its international parliamentary engagement through cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding with several legislatures, including those of Lebanon, Colombia, Kazakhstan, Iran, France, Belarus, and Turkey.

It also strengthened ties with Asian and Arab parliamentary institutions. In cooperation with the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union, it helped organise the Arab–Japanese parliamentary forums held in Damascus (2004), Tokyo (2005), and Amman (2007).

The assembly contributed to the establishment of the Arab Parliament, initially formed as a transitional body in 2005, with Damascus designated as its headquarters. It also cooperated with international organisations, including the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Population Fund, to enhance parliamentary capacity, legislative effectiveness, and engagement with social and demographic policy issues.

References