Twitter reacts as Rajoy chooses soccer commentary over political debate

While the controversy rages on about whether or not Spain will provide support to France in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy took time to appear on the Catholic Church-funded Cope radio network on Wednesday evening to act as a sports commentator for three Champions League games: Shaktar – Real Madrid, Atlético – Galatasara and B. Mgladbach - Sevilla.

Just like EL PAÍS reported, Rajoy demonstrated his command of soccer with statements such as: “I really like Jesé” and “Bale is a lot more dangerous than [Podemos candidate] Pablo Iglesias.”

He also revealed that he plans to vote for himself on December 20, thus clearing up one of the major question marks that were hovering over the general elections...

But the reaction on social media was not quite as kind as the radio commentators’ own jokes. Many upbraided Rajoy for finding time to talk about soccer on the radio but not to debate politics – either at an upcoming interview on Antena 3 or at the November 20 digital debate being organized by EL PAÍS, where all other main party leaders will be present.

“Rajoy’s campaign manager digging the hole where he can hide out until the elections.”

“Rajoy can talk about soccer on the radio for two hours but he can’t discuss public policies with other candidates on TV. Wonderful.”

“Soraya Sáez de Santamaría will take Mariano Rajoy’s place at the four-way debate between PP, PSOE, Podemos and Ciudadanos.”

“Rajoy walking into a room where a debate is going on.”