Salih Muslim Rejects Damascus Constitution: We Do Not Recognize This Text
Salih Muslim of YPG/PYD openly rejects the Assad government’s new constitutional draft, labeling it as sectarian and unrepresentative of Syria’s diverse population.
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Salih Muslim Rejects Damascus Constitution: “We Do Not Recognize This Text”
YEREL GÜNDEM / DAMASCUS
Tensions Rise Amid Syria’s Constitutional Process
As Syria’s long-disputed constitutional drafting efforts continue, a strong reaction has come from Salih Muslim, a leading figure of the YPG/PYD political wing. In a statement issued on July 13, 2025, Muslim rejected the legitimacy of the draft constitution, calling it “sectarian and exclusionary.”
"This Constitution Doesn’t Represent Us"
Speaking on behalf of Kurdish political actors and other minorities, Salih Muslim declared that the current process led by Damascus is “designed without representation and does not reflect Syria’s pluralistic society.”
Muslim harshly criticized the Assad government, asking, “Who elected the president of Syria? None but the jihadists.” He emphasized that the current administration does not represent the country’s real demographic structure, but instead, favors a narrow religious segment.
Muslim: “Kurdish and Other Minorities Are Being Marginalized”
According to Muslim, the ongoing constitutional draft excludes not only Kurds but also other ethnic and religious communities, such as Yazidis. “There are no Kurds, no Yazidis, no other Syrians in the government,” he said. “This structure does not reflect the people.”
His remarks point to deepening grievances among Syria’s marginalized groups, particularly in northern and northeastern regions controlled by the YPG/PYD-led administration.
A Firm Rejection of Imposed Constitutional Frameworks
On the subject of Syria’s new constitution, Muslim was unequivocal: “We will not accept a text created under an exclusionary process. We will not comply with it.”
He further stated that any constitutional arrangement that does not include YPG/PYD participation will be considered null and void in their view, potentially escalating tensions between Kurdish-led factions and the central government.
Political Implications in Northern Syria
The announcement may signal an increased push by the YPG/PYD to assert autonomy in Kurdish-majority regions. While the Syrian regime has sought international backing for its constitutional committee, the exclusion of key actors like the PYD may undermine long-term stability and dialogue.
Muslim’s remarks also come amid broader debates on whether any future Syrian government will embrace power-sharing or persist with centralized, sect-based rule.
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