Portugal’s government has rejected the idea of paying reparations for slavery and other colonial crimes, emphasizing a focus on international cooperation and reconciliation among nations.
Advocates have long urged Portugal to confront its history as a major player in the transatlantic slave trade, where millions of Africans were forcibly taken to the Americas on Portuguese ships between the 15th and 19th centuries.
Survivors of this brutal journey were enslaved on plantations, particularly in Brazil, while Portugal reaped the benefits.
Despite President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa acknowledging the country’s past wrongs, the government has no plans for reparations, opting instead for enhanced cooperation with former colonies.
Rebelo de Sousa suggested ways to make amends, such as debt cancellation or special programs, but these proposals were met with opposition from the current government.
While acknowledging historical truths, the government emphasized existing strong ties with former colonies in various fields, including education, culture, and health.
Criticism of the president’s remarks came from right-wing parties, indicating a reluctance to delve into the complexities of colonial legacies and reparations.
2024-04-28 05:42:06
Article from www.theguardian.com