Latakia:Syria Madonna Bishara, a member of Syria's Christian minority and second deputy speaker of the Syrian parliament, is focused on rebuilding the country after the fall of Bashar al-Assad. With a background in civil engineering, she emphasizes the importance of transparent projects, stronger safety standards, and the protection of public resources in the reconstruction efforts.
According to Anadolu Agency, Bishara expressed a newfound freedom to speak openly about politics and policy, a change from the past under Assad's regime. She was appointed to the People's Assembly in July and later elected as the second deputy speaker. Bishara described her new role with "mixed emotions, a surprise, a sense of apprehension, and an overwhelming feeling of responsibility."
The task of reconstruction is immense, with the World Bank estimating the cost at $216 billion. Bishara believes it involves more than just rebuilding structures but also restoring essential services and ensuring efficient resource use. She plans to introduce legislation promoting transparent reconstruction projects and sustainable building materials.
Bishara's engineering background, particularly her experience with earthquake-damaged buildings in Latakia, informs her approach to reconstruction. She aims to establish technical standards and cooperation among engineers and public institutions. Additionally, she advocates for a legal framework to attract investment while protecting public resources and citizens' rights.
Beyond physical rebuilding, Bishara highlights the need to rebuild trust between citizens and institutions, calling for transparent decision-making and accountability. She stresses the importance of national reconciliation and the participation of diverse Syrian communities in public life.
Bishara also focuses on legal reforms that affect daily life, such as education, employment, and economic recovery. She is particularly interested in enhancing women's economic participation and rights. Her role in parliament reflects a move toward inclusion, with 15 women appointed to the transitional legislature, aiming to bring diverse perspectives.
Her election as second deputy speaker represents both personal and public responsibility, and she hopes her work will encourage more women to participate actively in parliament and help rebuild Syria. As a former university professor, Bishara aspires to assure her students of a future in a free Syria where their talents can contribute to the nation's recovery.