Rajoy refuses to apologize for 'French team without Frenchmen' remark

Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy sparked a diplomatic and social uproar by stating that the French national football team has a "squad of very high level. That said, without Frenchmen" in a column published before the World Cup semifinal between Spain and France. The comment was widely condemned as racist and xenophobic across the political spectrum in both France and Spain.

The controversy escalates

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called Rajoy's words "pathetic" and a combination of "stupidity and racism" Source: Lavanguardia. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared himself "very ashamed" of the remarks, which he labeled "xenophobic" Source: Clarin. The French government and opposition parties united in criticism, with even far-right leader Marine Le Pen's party denouncing Rajoy as racist Source: El Español.

Rajoy's defiant follow-up

In a subsequent column titled "Hay que tener buen humor," Rajoy sarcastically thanked authorities for their attention and accused the Spanish government of trying to distract from real issues. He refused to apologize, stating, "They never apologize for anything. That, apparently, is always for others" Source: El Mundo. Spanish ministers, including Mónica García and José Manuel Albares, have demanded an apology, arguing that Rajoy's comments do not reflect the majority sentiment in Spain Source: Infobae.