The president of Portugal, socialist Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, said during an interview with journalists this Tuesday (23) that he is considering presenting a proposal to the government to make reparations for slavery in Brazil during the colonial era.
“(Portugal) assumes full responsibility for the damage caused. We have to pay the costs. Are there actions that were not punished and those responsible were not arrested? Are there assets that were looted and not returned? Let’s see how we can repair this,” he said, referring to the enslavement of millions of Africans during the period of colonization in Brazilian territory.
However, despite the statement – the first in history in which the European country recognizes responsibility for enslavement – Rebelo did not give details of how this reparation would be made. “Apologizing is the easiest part,” he said.
The Portuguese leader considered his country responsible for a series of crimes against enslaved people and indigenous people in Brazil.
Chega Party criticizes position
The right-wing nationalist party Chega classified the Portuguese president’s statements on his official profile on the social network X (formerly Twitter) as a “disgrace”.
The front, which became the third largest political force in the country by securing 48 seats in March’s parliamentary elections, wrote: “Shame! If there was a way to remove the President of the Portuguese Republic right now, Chega would do it!” .
Infographics Gazeta do Povo[Clique para ampliar]
