Turkey’s President Erdogan cancels his election rallies following a live TV illness

foxnews: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan After falling ill live on television, he was forced to cut short the interview. 

Erdogan, 69 years old, was interviewed on live television Turkey’s Ulke TV The broadcast abruptly ended on Kanal 7 late Tuesday. 

(Murat Cetinmuhurdar/PPO/Handout via Reuters) On April 27, 2023, Turkish President Tayyip Erdoan attends an event in Ankara to celebrate the delivery of Russian nuclear fuel for Turkey’s Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently being constructed by Russia. (Murat Cetinmuhurdar/PPO/Handout via Reuters)

Erdogan apologized to the audience for interrupting the interview after it resumed about 20 minutes later. He explained that he developed “stomach influenza” during his campaign and had been sick.  

Erdogan tweeted, “I’m resting at home today on the advice from my doctors.” With God’s blessing, we will resume our program tomorrow. 

Erdogan was back in the spotlight Thursday when he inaugurated a nuclear plant via video. The president was pale as he sat behind a table surrounded at the event by cabinet members, political allies, and aides. 

Turkish officials denied online reports that Erdogan, who had intestinal surgery in 2011 and was hospitalized for a serious illness. 

FILE: Recep T. Tayyip, Turkish president and leader of Justice and Development Party, speaks during a meeting in the Turkish Grand National Assembly at Ankara. January 18, 2023. (Adem Altan/AFP – Getty Images).

Erdogan, who is running for a third term, has been actively campaigning as he faces strong opposition in the election on May 14. He attends several events each day. Latest opinion polls show that Kemal Kilicdaroglu is Erdogan’s main opponent, and he has a slight advantage. He is supported by the Nation Alliance. six political parties.

Erdogan served as prime minister between 2003 and 2014, then became president. He has been criticized by critics for his authoritarian government, handling of the economy in recent years and the rampant inflation.

The Associated Press contributed this report.