Turkiye's Erdogan cuts off live interview citing stomach flu

The interview began late Tuesday night because of the president's busy election campaign. The live broadcast was abruptly interrupted as a journalist began to ask a question about future cabinet reshuffles. The long pause during the event caused anxiety on social media, reported Sputnik.

"First of all, I wish you good health. There was a lot of election work yesterday and today. That is why I got the stomach flu. I even wondered if we should cancel the programme. But we promised, and we came. I apologise to you and our viewers," Erdogan said in the broadcast after the pause.

After two short questions, a moderator announced that the interview with the Turkish leader was about to end to "allow Mr. President to rest".

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the presidential candidate of the Turkish opposition alliance, wished Erdogan a speedy recovery after he felt unwell.

"I send my best wishes for a speedy recovery to Mr. Erdogan," Kilicdaroglu said on Twitter.

Meral Aksener, the leader of the Good Party, also wished Erdogan a speedy recovery on Twitter.

Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin tweeted that Erdogan "is in good health, thank God".

Turkey's presidential and parliamentary elections are set to take place on May 14. The elections are likely to become the most challenging for Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party due to the February earthquakes, which killed at least 50,000 people and caused significant material damage.

Kilicdaroglu, put forward by a six-party opposition alliance, is considered Erdogan's main opponent. Results of pre-election polls are constantly changing and have not yet revealed an unquestionable favourite in the upcoming election. The list of presidential candidates also includes Muharrem Ince of the Homeland Party and Sinan Ogan of the ATA Alliance.