A politician like Boris Johnson doesn't apologize - unless he's up to his neck.
The British Prime Minister obviously saw himself in this situation on Wednesday, when he had to admit that - in disregard of the rules imposed by his government - he had attended a party in the garden on Downing Street in May 2020.
Meanwhile, the country remained in lockdown.
According to Johnson, he held the event for a working meeting.
Now he is someone who could be trusted to “work” in a boozy group.
And it shows deeply that supporters say that as a resident of Downing Street he at least complied with the regulation that one should only leave his living area for an important reason.
The premier is playing for time
The political fate of the prime minister is now in the hands of the conservative parliamentarians.
He is very welcome to them as a draft horse in elections.
But first of all, it will be a long time until the next election, according to human judgment.
Second, many in the party are less relaxed about virtues like honesty and decency than Johnson.
The refers to an ongoing official investigation of the events.
So he's playing for time.
But what else should he do, since resigning is even less an option than a request for an apology ?!