Talk:Thomas Klestil

Austrian Constitution
What does the Austrian constitution say should be done upon the death of the President? Who fills the vacancy? -- Kaihsu 10:13, 2004 Jul 7 (UTC)

If the president is ill and therefore unable to fulfill his duties, the Chancellor (Prime Minister) takes his post for a maximum of 20 days; if the president is ill for longer than 20 days or permanently unable to fulfill his duties (if he dies or steps down from his post), his duties are performed by the three presidents of the "Nationalrat" (national assembly) until the next elections; in this special case, however, Klestil's successor Heinz Fischer has already been chosen and he becomes president as planned tomorrow at 10am.

To summarize: From Klestil's heart attack until his death Chancellor Schüssel took his place, from his death yesterday until Fischer will take over tomorrow, the three presidents of the Nationalrat, are his representatives. FermatSim, 12:01 UCT

Thanks! -- Good to know that both law and commonsense still operate and has little triumphs in some parts of the world! -- Kaihsu 11:52, 2004 Jul 7 (UTC)


 * Kaihsu, would you elaborrate on that? (I'm just curious.) --Hokanomono 14:27, Jul 7, 2004 (UTC)

Heart attack
The news items are contradictory whether Klestil suffered a heart attack or heart failure. These happen to be rather divergent conditions, although heart attacks can bring on heart failure. But, there is a no such thing as "a heart failure".

Disclaimer: I'm fascinated by the morbidity (and in this case mortality) of famous people. Also, the mention of heart attack on the main page was an impetus to redo the article substantially :-). JFW | T@lk  19:58, 8 Jul 2004 (UTC)