Embattled Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta said Sunday he would stay out of office for a month to recuperate from a knee surgery, Sputnik news agency reported Sunday, citing a Facebook posting.

The prime minister tendered a suspension request to President Iohannis on Friday, according to a photo of the document published on Ponta’s official Facebook page. He explained he was discharged from medical care but will need another 28 days to get back on his feet.

Deputy Prime Minister Gabriel Oprea will step in for Ponta until he resumes his duties.