Paris, May 22, 2026 – The Europe Today: French President Emmanuel Macron has said that France must confront the question of reparations for its historical role in the transatlantic slave trade, in one of his strongest remarks yet on the legacy of enslavement and colonialism.
Speaking at the Élysée Palace during an event marking the 25th anniversary of France’s recognition of slavery as a crime against humanity, Macron said the issue of repairing the damage caused by slavery “must not be refused,” while cautioning against “false promises.”
He acknowledged that France could never fully repair the crimes linked to centuries of enslavement, noting that it is impossible to assign a value to such suffering or to fully close that chapter of history.
Macron also announced that France and Ghana will launch a joint international scientific research project aimed at producing recommendations for policymakers on addressing the historical legacy of slavery and colonialism.
Stressing the importance of historical truth, the French president said national identity could not be “built on denial,” adding that education, academic research and memorial initiatives must play a central role in confronting the past.
He also expressed support for a symbolic repeal of the historical Code Noir, the legal framework that regulated slavery in French colonies.
During his address, Macron noted that the Élysée Palace itself was constructed in part through wealth connected to slavery, underscoring the depth of France’s historical ties to the slave trade.
The remarks come amid growing calls in France for a broader national debate on reparatory justice, racism, and structural inequalities rooted in slavery and colonialism, with activists and descendants of enslaved people urging further steps toward recognition and reconciliation.
