Shukri al-Quwatli
It was in 1943 that the French agreed to restore constitutional life in Syria and Lebanon. Mardam Bey allied himself with the National Bloc leader, Shukri al-Quwatli, and they ran on a joint list for parliament. The National Bloc once again dominated the political scene in the country and Al-Quwatli was elected president in August 1943. Mardam Bey was appointed minister of foreign affairs and in November 1944 he also became minister of economy and defense, as well as deputy to Prime Minister Fares Al-Khoury. Mardam Bey held all four positions until August 1945.