Austrian Health Minister Anschober Announces Resignation Over Health Issues

Austrian Health Minister Anschober Announces Resignation Over Health Issues

VIENNA – Austrian Health Minister Rudolf Anschober announced on Tuesday his intention to step down from the ministerial post due to health problems and exhaustion from combating the coronavirus pandemic.

The 60-year-old recently had to take sick leave twice due to blood circulation problems.

“After consultations with my doctors, I decided to step down from my duties as minister of social affairs, health and consumer protection. I have asked President [Alexander Van der Bellen] to remove me from the office from Monday [19 April]. My successor will be tentatively appointed on coming Monday,” Anschober said, as broadcast by the Austrian ORF TV channel.

The official noted that the crisis triggered by the pandemic required a health minister to “be 100% fit.”

“I cannot currently say this about me,” Anschober, referring to health problems.