On Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan abruptly ended a live television interview, claiming to have a stomach ailment. Later, the 69-year-old apologized and came back.
On May 14, Turkey will elect a new president. According to his party, Erdogan canceled his obligations for Thursday due to health issues.
Was Erdogan poisoned?
Many speculations have surfaced on social media in response to Erdogan’s health crisis. He may have been poisoned, according to several Twitter users.
“Was the Turkish president Erdogan poisoned by the West for siding with Russia and President Putin in the Ukrainian War?” a Twitter user said.
“We are investigating the reports that the Turkish President has been poisoned after meeting with a Russian official,” another one added.
However, no report can confirm if the Turkish leader was poisoned. Some Twitter users also said that Putin has already left for Turkey to see Erdogan.
Erdogan had three appearances in the Anatolian provinces planned for Wednesday. However, now Vice President Fuat Oktay substituted for him.
“Today I will rest at home under the advice of our doctors,” Erdogan said on his official Twitter account.
“With God’s permission, we will continue our program from tomorrow. On this occasion, I wish all my citizens health, peace, and enjoyment,” he added.
Russia-Ukraine conflict
Last month he called for the end of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He had a phone call with President Vladimir Putin.
The Turkey President thanked his Russian counterpart ‘for his positive stance regarding the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative’. He added that: “The two countries could take further steps” when it comes to economic cooperation.
On Tuesday, he quit his interview midway. The President returned 15 minutes later.
“Yesterday and today were hard work. That’s why I got a stomach flu. At one point, I wondered if it would be misunderstood if we canceled the programme. But we promised. I ask for your and our audience’s forgiveness,” Erdogan said.
Also read: Turkey’s Erdogan postpones election rallies for health reasons
