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Controversy Surrounds Maher al-Shour’s Appointment as Prime Minister Following Ahmad al-Shour
The political scene in Syria has witnessed widespread debate regarding the appointment of Secretary-General of the Presidency, Mr. Maher al-Shour, the brother of the interim President of Syria, Ahmad al-Shour, to the position of Prime Minister, succeeding his brother who is currently participating in the United Nations General Assembly meetings on behalf of the state.
This appointment comes amid intense discussions about its conformity with constitutional and political norms, especially given the internal conditions and the regional and international political movements.
Some believe that this change reflects an inclination to strengthen the presence of the al-Shour family in decision-making centers, raising questions about the independence of government decisions and the extent to which they might be influenced by personal or family interests. Others consider it a natural step within policies aimed at encouraging and qualifying youth for participation in governance.
There are also concerns that this appointment could be part of a strategy to entrench the influence of the al-Shour family in political affairs, especially as Ahmad al-Shour continues to participate in international meetings, reflecting the ongoing influence of the family in Syrian politics.
Conversely, supporters of the appointment defend it, emphasizing that Maher al-Shour possesses competence and experience in business management and journalism, and is capable of effectively leading the government with a modern vision. They also promote the idea that this appointment signals a move towards modernization and the activation of youth in leadership roles.
Amid this controversy, the questions remain about the impact of this appointment on the policies of the Syrian government, the internal political scene, and how the international community will respond, especially in light of regional and international challenges facing Syria.
As the Syrian public and observers closely follow the developments, the issue of the appointment—whether a reform step or an attempt to consolidate family influence—remains a focus of interest and analysis in political and media circles, with differing opinions and ongoing debate about the future of governance in Syria.
Maher al-Shour is a Syrian doctor and politician, serving as Secretary-General of the Syrian Arab Republic Presidency since April 5, 2025. Prior to that, he held the position of Acting Minister of Health in Mohammad Busher’s government from December 16, 2024, to March 29, 2025.
