Kurdish authorities slam Damascus cabinet: “No voice for diversity”

The Kurdish autonomous administration, which controls large swaths of territory in northern and northeastern Syria, has publicly rejected the legitimacy of the newly formed Syrian government led by an Islamist coalition that ousted former President Bashar al-Assad in December.

In a statement issued Sunday, a day after the government's formation was announced, the Kurdish administration criticized the new leadership for failing to represent Syria’s diversity. 

“The announced government closely resembles its predecessor in that it still ignores Syria’s diversity,” the administration said. “A government that does not reflect the pluralistic nature of the country cannot ensure proper governance. Therefore, we do not consider ourselves bound by its decisions.”

The new administration in Damascus is led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took power on December 8 at the head of a broad Islamist coalition. During a speech at Saturday’s inauguration ceremony, Shareh pledged to build a "strong and stable state."

The new cabinet includes 23 ministers, the majority of whom are Sunni Arabs. 

Key positions have been allocated to individuals close to Sharaa. Only one Kurdish figure was appointed — and notably, he is not from the areas under the control of the Kurdish autonomous administration.

Despite an agreement signed in mid-March between the Kurdish administration and Shareh's government to integrate Kurdish institutions into the broader state framework, the Kurdish side now questions the sincerity of that deal. 

Analysts warn that the agreement may prove symbolic, given the lack of real representation and the constitutional declaration that grants the president full powers during a five-year transitional period.

Kurds, who make up roughly 15% of Syria’s population, have historically been marginalized and remain wary of centralized rule, even under the new leadership in Damascus.