After the Portuguese president, Marcelo Rebelo, admitted crimes committed by Portugal during transatlantic slavery and the colonial era, and also indicated reparation, the Brazilian Minister of Racial Equality, Anielle Franco, stated that it would be important to remember that this country’s position is ” fruit of centuries of demands from the black population”. The minister assesses that, from now on, the declaration needs to come together with concrete measures for reparation.
In a video distributed to the press, the minister considered the statement this Wednesday (24) made by the president of Portugal to be “very important” and “forceful”. “For the first time, we are here having a debate of this scale at an international level.”
The minister drew attention to the fact that Marcelo Rebelo’s statement came a week after the United Nations Permanent Forum of People of African Descent, in Switzerland. “In fact, several black movement organizations demanded a firmer stance from Portugal precisely on this issue”, she recalled.
Anielle, however, hopes that concrete reparation actions will take place, since, in her eyes, the president himself seems to be committing to doing so.
“Our team is already in contact with the Portuguese government to discuss how to think about these actions and, from here on, what steps will be taken”, said Anielle.
President Marcelo Rebelo himself considers that there are important tasks ahead. “Apologizing is the easiest part,” said the Portuguese president.
