French and Spanish socialists criticize Rajoy: "On the same team against racism"

Socialist delegations from Spain and France in the European Parliament have condemned statements made by former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy regarding the French national football team. They rejected his remarks as racist and incompatible with the vision of Europe they aim to foster.

The socialist MEPs from both countries described Rajoy's declarations as "unworthy" of a former leader of a major European nation. They emphasized that despite their countries being rivals in the upcoming World Cup semifinals, they stand together "on the same team" against racism, xenophobia, and any attempts to categorize citizens based on skin color.

Rajoy published an article last Friday stating that the French team, while possessing a very high level, "has no Frenchmen" due to the skin color of some of its players. This statement has drawn criticism from the French government, which accused him of racism and deemed his assertions unacceptable.

In response, the spokesperson for Spain's People's Party, Borja Sémper, downplayed Rajoy's words, characterizing them as part of a "sarcastic" column written "without malicious intent." However, the socialist MEPs countered that nations are communities of citizens founded on equal rights and a shared sense of belonging. They asserted that the French team players are indeed French, representing their country with pride, just as the Spanish team represents Spain in all its diversity.

The joint statement further criticized attempts by nationalists and the far-right to divide citizens and reduce national identity to skin color. They urged that such ideologies should not be allowed to dominate nations, Europe, or football. "On the eve of France-Spain, we say it together: may the best win on the field and may racism lose everywhere," they concluded.