President of Portugal calls for slave trade reparations

For the first time in the country’s history, a president of Portugal has suggested that the country should pay reparations for the horrific crimes it committed during its colonial era and the Atlantic slave trade.

Speaking at a press conference with foreign reporters on Tuesday, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said that Portugal “takes full responsibility” for the atrocities of its colonial period, during which time the country owned Brazil, large parts of coastal Africa, and portions of the Indian subcontinent.

However, much of that Portuguese dominion — which in itself remains a source of pride for many Portuguese people — came at a huge human cost, being fueled by slavery and the massacre of indigenous populations. 

“We have to pay the costs [of the slave trade],” said Mr. Rebelo de Sousa. “Were there actions that went unpunished and where those responsible were not arrested? Were there goods that were looted and not returned? Let’s see how we can repair this.”

Almost one year ago to the date, during commemorations of the 49th anniversary of Portugal’s Carnation Revolution of 1974, Mr. Rebelo de Sousa had said that the country should apologize and take responsibility for its role...