Macron Advocates Symbolic Repeal of Colonial Laws

On Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron supported a symbolic repeal of long-standing French laws related to colonial practices and cautioned against “false promises” regarding reparations for slavery.

Macron spoke at an event marking the 25th anniversary of the Tavira Law at the Elysée Palace, a law named after former Justice Minister Christiane Tavira, who recognized the transatlantic slave trade and slavery as crimes against humanity back in 2001.

During his address, Macron emphasized the “incalculable issue” of reparations, yet underscored his concerns about making unwarranted promises. He suggested that a final decision on compensation has not yet been made.

“We must honestly say that we will never be able to fully repair this crime because, well, it’s just impossible. We will never find a satisfactory figure or words to adequately address this history,” he stated.

Additionally, the president expressed strong support for the symbolic abolition of the Code Noir, a statute established by Louis XIV in 1685, which set forth the conditions for slavery in French colonies. Though slavery was abolished over a century ago, the Code Noir itself was not formally repealed.

On the Code Noir, Macron remarked, “We have a document that should have been eradicated with the abolition of slavery, but it has lingered for centuries. This oversight by the Republic is almost an embarrassment.”

He further commented, “The silence or indifference maintained for nearly two centuries regarding this norm has not simply been an oversight; it has become an affront to those who’ve led us since 1789.”

Macron’s comments came shortly after a French parliamentary committee approved a bill to abolish the Code Noir. The bill is slated for discussion in Congress on May 28th.

The proposed legislation also includes a government report to be presented to parliament. This report would outline the colonial laws still in effect and assess their “contemporary impact,” focusing particularly on issues of discrimination and racism in French society.

Moreover, an amendment from Nadège Abomangori, a member of the far-left party La France Insoumise, calls for the report to evaluate how slavery and its abolition are represented in school curricula. It would also encourage the establishment of monuments and research centers to better educate on this matter.