Lisbon, Portugal – The Portuguese government has declared its refusal to initiate any process to pay reparations for atrocities committed during transatlantic slavery and the colonial era, in contrast to earlier statements made by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
During the period from the 15th to the 19th century, Portuguese vessels were responsible for forcibly transporting 6 million Africans across the Atlantic and selling them into slavery, primarily in Brazil.
President Rebelo de Sousa had suggested various methods for paying reparations, such as canceling the debt of former colonies and providing financial support. However, the government released a statement stating that it has no specific program or process in place for reparations, a stance consistent with previous administrations.
The government emphasized its commitment to fostering mutual relations, respecting historical truths, and enhancing cooperation with former colonies based on reconciliation. It highlighted the strong ongoing partnerships in areas such as education, language, culture, and health, as well as financial and economic cooperation.
Rebelo de Sousa’s call for reparations on Tuesday received criticism from right-wing parties, including the junior partner of the Democratic Alliance government coalition, CDS-Popular party, and the far-right Chega party.
Portugal’s colonial era, which spanned over five centuries, included territories such as Angola, Mozambique, Brazil, Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Principe, East Timor, and some territories in Asia under Portuguese rule. Decolonization of African countries and the transition from empire to democracy occurred after the “Carnation Revolution” in 1974, which overthrew the fascist regime in Europe’s oldest dictatorship.