Austrian president to have spinal surgery

3/11/2024 5:57

        Austria's President Alexander Van der
        Bellen, who is overseeing coalition talks following the
        country's recent election, will undergo spinal surgery, his
        office said on Saturday.
        
        The 80-year-old, who has been head of state since 2017, has
        been struggling with intervertebral disc problems since the
        beginning of the year.
        
        "Recently, the situation has deteriorated," his office said.
        "He will therefore undergo a routine operation on his
        intervertebral discs in Vienna in the next few days."
        
        For the duration of his treatment and recovery he will be
        represented by Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Van der Bellen's office
        said.
        
        "I wish the Federal President a good course of treatment and
        a speedy recovery," Nehammer wrote on X.