Independent Greek MP and Christian Democratic Party leader Nikos Nikolopoulos wrote a letter of apology to Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Xavier Bettel after a tweet criticizing Bettel’s private life. Essentially the tweet was critical of his decision to enter a gay marriage and used crude language that prompted an uproar on social media: “From the Europe of nation states to the Europe of faggots.”

The letter sent to Bettel this week says that last month’s tweet did not reflect the right-wing politician’s “usual manners”. Nikolopoulos, the former New Democracy politician and vice-president of the right-wing Union for the Homeland and the People, admitted that his language was “extreme” but no apology was forthcoming regarding his sentiments regarding same-sex partnerships.

“I will not apologize for my solid and straightforward views which triggered by electronic message,” said Nikolopoulos, a self-proclaimed defender of traditional family values.

In his letter, Nikolopoulos said that sexual preferences were grossly exaggerated in the name of human rights. He also invited Bettel to join him in an upcoming event on racism organized by his party at a date that would be set to convenience the foreign prime minister’s attendance.

Bettel’s reaction to Nikolopoulos’ tweet had been mild and had given assurances that relations between Greece and Luxembourg would not be affected by the comments of an isolated politician.”