Resumption of Military Pensioners' Salaries in Syria: A Test of Governance and a Balance Between Rights and Accountability
September 2, 2025313 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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After months of waiting and debate, the Syrian government announced practical steps to resume the payment of military pensioners' salaries that have been frozen since the fall of the Assad regime, in a decision that touches the pain of thousands of families and tests the ability of the emerging state to address the complex legacy of years of war.
Finance Minister Mohammad Yasser Barnieh confirmed that payments will resume after the necessary auditing is completed, pointing out the formation of judicial and legal committees in the provinces to study the files of pensioners after 2011. It is noteworthy that the decision excludes those whose hands are "stained with blood," while preserving the rights of others in the increases that were approved during the salary freeze period.
This step did not come out of nowhere, but rather followed increasing pressure from pensioners who have been deprived of their salaries despite having contributions deducted throughout their years of service.
Dealing with this file carries complex legal and human rights dimensions. Retirement is an acquired right that cannot be revoked except by a final judicial ruling; this issue raises a fundamental question about the role of administrative committees versus the judiciary in determining innocence or guilt.
Minister Barnieh did not overlook the broader economic aspect, revealing a plan to address other outstanding financial files, including tax settlements, tax evasion, and troubled loans, through solutions that take into account the circumstances of the affected without harming the rights of banks.
This step represents more than just the disbursement of financial entitlements; it is a real test of the new government's ability to achieve the difficult balance between justice for pensioners who served the state and accountability for those who committed violations, as well as financial stability in a country suffering from serious economic challenges and trust in emerging institutions.
Success in this test will reintegrate thousands of families into the economic cycle and enhance the legitimacy of the state based on the rule of law. Failure, on the other hand, will exacerbate grievances and weaken trust in institutions. The path to national reconciliation passes through a fair and comprehensive resolution of such thorny issues.
Finance Minister Mohammad Yasser Barnieh confirmed that payments will resume after the necessary auditing is completed, pointing out the formation of judicial and legal committees in the provinces to study the files of pensioners after 2011. It is noteworthy that the decision excludes those whose hands are "stained with blood," while preserving the rights of others in the increases that were approved during the salary freeze period.
This step did not come out of nowhere, but rather followed increasing pressure from pensioners who have been deprived of their salaries despite having contributions deducted throughout their years of service.
Dealing with this file carries complex legal and human rights dimensions. Retirement is an acquired right that cannot be revoked except by a final judicial ruling; this issue raises a fundamental question about the role of administrative committees versus the judiciary in determining innocence or guilt.
Minister Barnieh did not overlook the broader economic aspect, revealing a plan to address other outstanding financial files, including tax settlements, tax evasion, and troubled loans, through solutions that take into account the circumstances of the affected without harming the rights of banks.
This step represents more than just the disbursement of financial entitlements; it is a real test of the new government's ability to achieve the difficult balance between justice for pensioners who served the state and accountability for those who committed violations, as well as financial stability in a country suffering from serious economic challenges and trust in emerging institutions.
Success in this test will reintegrate thousands of families into the economic cycle and enhance the legitimacy of the state based on the rule of law. Failure, on the other hand, will exacerbate grievances and weaken trust in institutions. The path to national reconciliation passes through a fair and comprehensive resolution of such thorny issues.
