CEO Abdullah Abdullah on Tuesday warned ministers that from now on if they are in Kabul and miss council of ministers meetings, action will be taken against them, a source from his office said.
According to the sources, this warning was sparked by the CEO’s anger over Finance Minister Iklil Hakimi’s continued absence from council of ministers meetings.
According to sources, after Hakimi, the minister with the second worst attendance record is acting foreign affairs ministers Salahuddin Rabbani.
According to the political agreement based on which the National Unity Government (NUG) was established, the CEO has the authority to head the council of ministers meetings. Initially, the meetings were held every week, but last year it was agreed to hold them every two weeks.
The CEO has however reportedly been upset recently over ministers missing council of ministers meetings – except when they are out of Kabul.
“With respect to the recognition that I have from you, I welcome you all and give the report,” said Abdullah, while addressing the meeting participants, adding that "following today’s meeting, if a minister despite being present in Kabul fails to attend the council of ministers meeting without having a reasonable excuse would be dealt with differently.”
At Monday’s meeting, Abdullah warned the deputy finance minister about the issue of absent ministers, especially Hakimi, and said this was no longer acceptable.
In addition to Hakimi, ministers of Haj Affairs; Interior; Economy; Commerce and Industries; Education; Defense; Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock; and Public Works are also frequently absent.
"It means that still some disagreements and competition exists between the CEO and a number of the ministers,” political affairs analyst, Ajmal Baluch Zada said.
The MoF refused to comment, but the Presidential Palace said the ministers who do not attend the council of ministers meetings will face action.
“Each minister is responsible to the law and their jobs are not something they should delegate to another person,” said Dawa Khan Minapal, the president’s deputy spokesman.