Audun Lysbakken, leader of Norway’s Socialist Left party (SV) and a key member of the opposition in Parliament, was set to be taking off on three months of sick leave from Monday. He still planned to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony on Sunday, though.

Lysbakken, who turned 40 this autumn, candidly reported that he’s scheduled to undergo surgery at Norway’s national hospital (Rikshospitalet) in Oslo. Surgery is needed to remove a deformity in a blood vein that unleashed attacks of epilepsy.
The operation itself was described as “routine,” but his recovery period can take as long as three months. Lystakken said his leave will be evaluated on an ongoing basis and he hopes to be able to return to Parliament and party duties before the three months are up.
“I’ll be back at work as soon as I’m back in shape,” Lysbakken told reporters this week. “And I look forward to that. In the meantime, I have a very good team around me who’ll run SV while I’m away.”
SV’ deputy leader Kirsti Bergstø will function as party leader in Lysbakken’s absence, while SV’s Gina Barstad will meet as Lysbakken’s alternate at Parliament. Kari Elisabeth Kaski will take over Lysbakken’s role as parliamentarian leader.
newsinenglish.no staff