New poll reveals Syrians are hopeful, want democracy after Assad's fall

Syrian capital Damascus hosted a research forum organised by the Arab Centre for Research and Policy Studies to announce the results of the fifth round of the "Arab Index 2025", the first poll to measure how Syrians view their country following the fall of the regime of Bashar al-Assad.

The event, organised by the Arab Centre for Research and Policy Studies, marked the first time nationwide public opinion data was presented and debated publicly inside Syria.

The forum brought together academics, experts, and journalists to analyse the findings of a large-scale survey conducted across all provinces.

Syria was included in the Arab Index for the first time this year, with a sample of 3,690 respondents reached after more than 7,800 hours of fieldwork and nearly 100,000 household visits.

Researchers travelled over 96,000 kilometres, with half of the field staff women, ensuring balanced participation.

Optimism after regime change

Fifty-six percent of Syrians believe the country is moving in the right direction, compared to 25 percent who say it is headed the wrong way. This optimism was linked to the fall of the Assad regime and promises of stability and improved security, with between 80 and 94 percent of respondents expressing relief and hope after Assad’s departure.

Severe economic hardship

Despite positive political sentiment, the data highlighted a deep economic crisis. Forty-two percent of households said their income does not cover basic needs, while 43 percent live at subsistence level. Only 11 percent reported relative comfort. Many rely on borrowing and aid, with 36 percent saying they receive remittances from abroad. More than six in ten respondents reported eating meat only rarely or less than once a week.

Migration as an option

The Index found that 27 percent of Syrians are considering migration, mainly for economic reasons (40 percent) or security concerns (35 percent). Forum discussions noted that migration has become a serious option for an entire generation. Experts stressed that keeping young Syrians in the country depends on urgent solutions to the economic crisis.

Trust and corruption

Between 54 and 57 percent of respondents expressed trust in the government and state institutions, but 89 percent agreed that financial and administrative corruption is widespread. Notably, 56 percent said corruption has declined compared to before December 2024, a sign of hope that state institutions may be able to rein in abuses.

Democracy and national identity

Sixty percent of Syrians agreed that democracy is preferable, while 61 percent said it is the most suitable form of government today. Over half (53 percent) said they would accept a political party they disagree with coming to power if it won enough votes in free elections.

On national identity, 64 percent said Syrians have to varying degrees succeeded in uniting as one family. However, 85 percent reported that sectarian rhetoric remains widespread, and 83 percent acknowledged religious or sectarian discrimination.

At the same time, 66 percent said they personally do not discriminate in their dealings with others on religious or sectarian grounds.

Domestic threats and regional issues 

When it comes to domestic threats,  51% of respondents said that the most important problems facing the country today are related to the risk of Syria's partition, instability, foreign intervention, particularly the incursion of Israeli occupation forces into Syrian territory. 

Respondents seemed to fear that sectarian and ethnic issues could lead to the break-up of the country, with external forces like Israel exacerbating such divisions. 

On the Palestinian issue, 69 percent of Syrians said Palestine is an issue for all Arabs, while 74 percent rejected recognition of Israel, and 88 percent said Israel threatens stability in Syria.