Manuel Valls Calls Rajoy's Comments 'Clearly Racist,' Demands Apology

Former French Prime Minister Manuel Valls has strongly condemned remarks made by former Spanish President Mariano Rajoy about the French national football team, labeling them "clearly racist." Valls expressed his disappointment and anger over an article published by Rajoy, which he felt displayed a "mixture of stupidity and ignorance of French history."

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Being French is not a color, it is not an origin, it is loving a country, sharing values, knowing how to speak French, knowing a culture, a history.

Rajoy's article, published recently, reportedly stated that the French team possesses a "very high level, but without French people." This observation drew sharp criticism from the French government, which accused Rajoy of racism and deemed his statements unacceptable. Valls echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that French identity is defined by shared values, love for the country, and cultural understanding, rather than ethnic origin.

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Clearly racist words.

Speaking to Catalunya Ràdio, Valls stated that Rajoy should apologize for his "clearly racist words" instead of trying to maintain his position. He believes Rajoy needs to reflect on his statements. Valls found it particularly "strange" that political parties in Spain, both the PP and PSOE, tend to close ranks and support individuals within their parties who make significant errors in judgment.

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What could be expected from Rajoy are apologies, and not trying to save face.

Valls's comments highlight a significant diplomatic and cultural disagreement stemming from Rajoy's remarks. The former French leader's strong reaction underscores the sensitivity surrounding national identity and representation, particularly in the context of international sports.

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It seems very strange to me that, in Spain, whether in the PP or the PSOE, they always close ranks and applaud those who, from their own parties, do stupid things, sometimes very big ones.