VIDEO: Syrian president to open presidential palace for public visits

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa expressed his discomfort during his time at the People's Palace (the Presidential Palace) in Damascus and revealed his plans to open the palace to public visits and school groups in the future.

In an interview with Reuters on Monday evening, Al-Sharaa shared his feelings about being in the presidential palace, saying, "I feel uncomfortable here because every time I look at a corner, I’m struck by how much harm was done to this society from this place."

He added, "I have a balcony overlooking Damascus, and every day when I look at the city, I ask myself, how could the previous regime view Damascus and be indifferent to what was happening there?"

Al-Sharaa emphasized his determination to bring positive change from the palace, stating, "I’m committed to ensuring that good comes from this palace for Syria, and I want schoolchildren to visit, explore, and learn about it."

He continued, "I aim to make decisions from here that will impact every Syrian home, and afterward, we will open it for public visits, God willing."

The People's Palace is the presidential residence in Damascus and the primary seat of the President of Syria. Located next to Mount Qasioun, which overlooks the capital, the palace has become a key destination for delegations after the fall of Assad's regime late last year. It is now a venue for meetings with the new leadership.