Rajoy entrenches himself in the racist controversy: avoids apologizing and accuses the Government of creating a smokescreen

Mariano Rajoy has decided not to back down. Far from apologizing for the controversial statements he made about the French national team, the former President of the Government has published a new column in which he defends his position and attacks those who have demanded a retraction from him.

The controversy erupted after his words about the French team provoked a wave of criticism from the PSOE, members of the Government, and numerous public figures. The controversy also crossed the border and reached France, where various political officials condemned his statements.

Among the most forceful reactions was that of the French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, who described Rajoy's words as "pathetic". Subsequently, leaders of the National Rally, the far-right party led by Marine Le Pen, also spoke out, similarly censoring the comments of the former popular leader.

The publication of the new column coincides with Spain's 2-0 victory over France in the World Cup semifinals, a triumph that qualifies Luis de la Fuente's team for the grand final of the tournament.

In his article, Rajoy praises the performance of the Spanish national team and highlights the work of the national coach. "France is an excellent team, with an extraordinary forward line," he writes before emphasizing that "the role of the Spanish national team in this World Cup is being outstanding."

However, the former president uses a good part of his text to respond to those who have criticized him in recent days. Rajoy maintains that the controversy has served to distract attention from other issues that, in his opinion, concern citizens more. Furthermore, he accuses his adversaries of generating political noise and rejects any kind of self-criticism.

"They don't apologize for anything. That, apparently, always falls to others," he states in the column, an explicit refusal to apologize for statements that have caused significant discomfort both in Spain and in France. In this way, Rajoy remains firm in his position and rules out rectifying words that continue to generate controversy while the country celebrates its passage to the World Cup final.