Afghan economy stagnates amid political deadlock

Exactly four months after the inauguration of Afghanistan's new president Ashraf Ghani, there is still no government in place in Afghanistan, and the long delay is threatening the economic recovery of one of the frailest economies in the world.

Instead, deputy ministers from the former administration are caretaking government departments, and the new president has fired many officials across the country without appointing replacements.

Only eight ministers have been confirmed by parliament, less than a third of the total, after long wrangling.

The highest-profile casualty was General Sher Mohammed Karimi, nominated as defence minister.

After long arguments in parliament it is now clear that no more ministers will be in place before members of parliament go for a winter break until the end of March.

 Zero growth in 2015 -  Business leaders have criticised the president for the long delay in forming a government.

Business leaders have criticised the president for the long delay in forming a government.

In the vacuum of power since the election last April, business confidence has collapsed, and growth, which had averaged 9% since 2001, could be zero this year.  Read More at Afghan economy stagnates amid political deadlock

Afghanistan parliament rejects most of Ghani's cabinet