President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria has travelled for treatment in Germany less than a month after his return from the European nation.
News Central recalls that Tebboune had earlier spent about two months undergoing COVID-19 treatment in Germany last year and only returned to Algeria on December 29, 2020.
However, the 75-year-old president, who also doubles as Algeria’s Minister of Defence, has travelled back to Germany where he will be treated for a foot problem related to the coronavirus infection.
Speaking to state television on Sunday, Tebboune said he might undergo surgery on his foot during his treatment.
“There may be a minor surgery. My return to Germany was previously planned. The period of my absence from the country will be short, God willing,” he said. “I will be following state issues with officials on a daily basis.
The treatment “was not medically urgent” and should have taken place during Tebboune’s last stay in Germany, a statement from the presidency said on Sunday.
The statement added that Tebboune postponed the treatment at the time because of some obligations that prompted him to return home on December 29.
The president’s two-month absence had fuelled speculation over his ability to finish his first term.
“It is hard to be far from one’s country,” Mr Tebboune was quoted as saying upon his return.
He contracted the coronavirus in October when some of his close staff tested positive.