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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
National
Alison Hird

Macron opens debate on reparations for France’s role in slave trade

Emmanuel Macron France Slavery François Hollande Jacques Chirac
President Macron acknowledged there needed to be discussion on the issue of reparations during a ceremony at the Elysée marking the 25th anniversary of the law recognising the slave trade and slavery as crimes against humanity, on 21 May, 2026.
President Macron acknowledged there needed to be discussion on the issue of reparations during a ceremony at the Elysée marking the 25th anniversary of the law recognising the slave trade and slavery as crimes against humanity, on 21 May, 2026. AFP - THIBAULT CAMUS

President Emmanuel Macron has said the “immense” issue of reparations for France’s role in the transatlantic slave trade must be addressed, but warned against “false promises” as demand grows for formal discussion on addressing the legacy of enslavement.

In 2001, France became the first country in the world to recognise slavery and the slave trade as “crimes against humanity”, via the Taubira Law – but stopped short of any reparations.

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