Mariano Rajoy, former Prime Minister of Spain, is embroiled in a racism scandal after making provocative remarks about the French national football team. The row has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation across the political spectrum in both Spain and France, raising questions about the impact of xenophobic rhetoric on international relations.
Rajoy's comments, published in an online column for El Debate, questioned the nationality of French players despite acknowledging the team's impressive World Cup record. He wrote that the French team, which has consistently dominated global football, "does not have any French players." This assertion drew comparisons to a recent racist social media attack on Kylian Mbappé by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez swiftly condemned Rajoy's statements, posting on X: "There are those who still measure belonging by surname, place of birth, or skin colour. Others measure it by our roots in a country and our will to contribute to it." He added that Spain belongs to those who love and work for the country, not to those who shame it with xenophobic comments.
The backlash was equally fierce in France, where Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described Rajoy's comments as "completely unacceptable". He stated that they do not reflect what France represents – a country of diversity where everyone can thrive and find their place. French Socialist party leader Olivier Faure echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the national team is composed solely of French citizens.
Other senior politicians in France also spoke out against Rajoy's remarks. Fabien Roussel, leader of the Communist party, likened them to "filthy racism", while Naïma Moutchou, Minister for Overseas Territories, described them as part of a "methodical and normalised hatred" towards France. She urged the French football federation to pursue all legal avenues in response to such incidents.