Rachidi Not Regretting His Statements

Madrid – AFP – Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy defended himself with a sarcastic tone instead of offering an apology, following earlier remarks in which he claimed that the French national football team “does not include French players,” sparking a wave of widespread condemnation.

Rajoy was accused of racism and hate speech by politicians in both countries after the comment, which appeared in an article published last week on the website El Debate.

In a new article published Tuesday evening, Rajoy did not directly address his previous statement.

Instead, the former conservative leader thanked “the authorities for the attention they have shown me during the World Cup.”

He added, “It is unfortunate that this amount of effort devoted to praising me has diverted attention from other issues... that concern Spaniards.”

Rajoy’s remarks appeared to be directed at the minority government led by Socialist Pedro Sanchez, which has been weakened by corruption scandals involving close associates. He also seemed to reject government calls for an apology.

He wrote, “They never apologize for anything. It seems that is always left to others. You know me well and know what I think.”

Rajoy served as Spain’s prime minister from 2011 to 2018, when he was ousted through a no-confidence vote led by Sanchez.

He had previously sparked controversy in an article published on Friday, in which he praised France as a “team of very high quality,” but added, “without any French players.”