Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly briefly interrupted a televised press conference on Wednesday after experiencing dizziness, a government spokesperson confirmed.
The 58-year-old leader was addressing the weekly Cabinet briefing at the new administrative capital in Cairo when he suddenly grabbed the microphone stand for support. Appearing unwell, he requested a brief pause, causing concern among attendees.
Cabinet spokesperson Mohamed el-Homsani assured the public that the prime minister quickly recovered and resumed his speech after a few moments. The incident stemmed from exhaustion and a recent severe cold that Madbouly had been battling.
Despite his illness, Madbouly had insisted on fulfilling his duties, el-Homsani revealed. The prime minister had worked late into Tuesday night and attended multiple meetings on Wednesday morning before the conference. He is currently on antibiotics and other medication to combat the illness.
During the briefing, Madbouly discussed President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi’s recent meetings and upcoming engagements, showcasing Egypt’s growing role on the international stage.
The press conference comes ahead of an economic cooperation summit Egypt is hosting on Thursday. Leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Nigeria, and Turkey are set to attend the pivotal gathering in Cairo.
Madbouly, an architect by profession, has served as Egypt’s prime minister since 2018, playing a critical role in overseeing national projects and regional diplomacy.
The incident highlights the pressures faced by leaders tasked with steering their nations, even amidst personal health challenges.