In ominous sign, Afghan government partner berates President Ghani

Afghan government chief executive Abdullah Abdullah has sharply criticized President Ashraf Ghani, a dramatic public break that exposed long-simmering tension within the former election rivals' fragile unity government.

Abdullah's televised remarks brought fresh questions about the stability of the coalition formed in 2014 after both Ghani and Abdullah claimed victory in a presidential election and there were fears of armed clashes between their supporters.

Abdullah said late on Thursday that Ghani did not deserve to govern as he had failed to work collaboratively or to enact electoral reforms.

The post of chief executive was created for former foreign minister Abdullah as part of a U.S.-brokered deal to end deadlock over the election.

But he complained he had been left out of key decisions, and painted Ghani as arrogant and out of touch with the deteriorating situation in the country.

"The government is paralyzed and ministers do not have the chance to speak… (Ghani) provides a one-hour lecture but he should listen to the ministers for 15 minutes," he said.

"If someone does not have tolerance, they do not deserve the presidency."

In a statement, Ghani's office said Abdullah's speech was "not in accordance with the principle and spirit of governance", but there would be a "serious and effective" discussion of his concerns. - Read More

In ominous sign, Afghan government partner berates President Ghani

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