Macron takes a stance on France's slavery law, but reparations remain undecided

In a significant address from the Élysée Palace, President Emmanuel Macron has taken a stance on the historical "Code Noir," a decree that, while officially abolished in 1848, has remained on the books in France. Macron has voiced his support for its symbolic abolition, recognizing the profound historical weight and the enduring pain associated with this legislation that governed the lives of enslaved people.

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the silence and indifference surrounding the Black Code, which lasted for nearly two hundred years, was not just an omission, but an insult to all those who have guided France since 1789.

The French President did not shy away from confronting the past, describing the "nearly two hundred years of silence and indifference" surrounding the Code Noir as not merely an oversight, but a "slander" against the very trajectory of France since the Revolution. This acknowledgment marks a crucial step in addressing the nation's colonial legacy and the deep injustices of slavery.

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the question cannot be circumvented, but one must be careful with promises.

Regarding the complex issue of reparations, Macron acknowledged its importance, stating that it "cannot be circumvented." However, he also urged caution, emphasizing that "promises must be handled carefully" and that "no decision has yet been made." He candidly admitted that "this historical crime cannot be fully atoned for," suggesting that no sum of money or apology can truly erase this dark chapter of history. This nuanced approach reflects the ongoing and sensitive debate within France about how to reckon with its past and address the lasting impacts of slavery.

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it is impossible to fully atone for this historical crime. There is no sum of money or apology that can nullify this chapter of history.