President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa acknowledged Portugal’s responsibility for the atrocities committed during transatlantic slavery and the colonial era, acknowledging that these crimes had significant costs. He emphasized the need to address these wrongdoings, including considering reparations, and expressed a willingness to explore ways to rectify the injustices of the past. Despite Portugal’s significant role in the slave trade, its colonial history is often perceived as a source of national pride, with little attention given to its darker aspects. The president’s statement represents a shift in Portugal’s stance, as he had previously stopped short of a full apology for the nation’s past actions. However, he maintains that acknowledging and taking responsibility for these crimes is more crucial than issuing an apology.
Portugal Acknowledges Responsibility for Transatlantic Slavery and Colonial Crimes
