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PM reported to be in good health following second surgery
The planned 30-minute procedure was the second and final phase to keyhole surgery performed on Erdoğan's small intestine on Nov. 26, it said.
"The prime minister is in very good health. He plans to continue his routine engagements during the week," his office said in a statement.
His office did not say when the procedure took place, but Turkish media reported that Erdoğan, 57, had been taken to a hospital in İstanbul late on Friday.
Erdoğan, whose Justice and Development Party (AK Party) won a third consecutive term in an election in June, is by far Turkey's most influential politician. Having led Turkey for the past decade, he dominates the political landscape, and all key decisions rest with him.
Two consecutive Cabinet meetings were cancelled while Erdoğan recovered from the surgery in November despite there being four deputy prime ministers.
The government has been tight-lipped on the nature of Erdoğan's ailment, fuelling media speculation he was being treated for cancer.
But a doctor present at the operation in November has said "harmless" polyps were removed. Polyps are abnormal growths of tissue that can be cancerous.
Emine Erdoğan, the prime minister's wife, attended the opening of the second semester of the Classical Turkish Arts Foundation on Sunday, where she commented on her husband's health to the press. “You're praying for the prime minister, right? Thank God he is so well. Don't worry at all. He is even better than before. He says hi to you all. He asks for your prayers,” said Emine Erdoğan.
Under Erdoğan's rule, the overwhelmingly Muslim country has become one of the world's fastest growing economies and a powerhouse in the region.
There is speculation that Erdoğan wants to move Turkey to a presidential system of government, with the intention of becoming president himself, as under AK Party rules he cannot serve as prime minister for more than three terms.
Speaking to the press during his visit to the AK Party Edirne branch on Saturday, Health Minister Recep Akdağ commented on Erdoğan's health, saying there is nothing to be concerned about with regard to his condition. “Thank God our prime minister is in very good health,” said Akdağ.
European Affairs Minister and chief EU negotiator Egemen Bağış also on Saturday said: “I know that everyone is wondering about the prime minister's health. Don't worry at all. He is all fine. Unfortunately, there are people who love spreading false rumors about Erdoğan's health. However, we will continue developing Turkey with the leadership of our prime minister.”
Also commenting on Erdoğan's health on Saturday, Culture and Tourism Minister Ertuğrul Günay told the press he prayed next to Erdoğan at the Friday prayer and Erdoğan appeared to be in very good health. “We are all happy to see him in good health. I wish to see him serve this country for many years to come,” Günay added.
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