Paris, France – The French National Assembly voted unanimously to abolish the so-called “Black Code,” a 17th-century decree that regulated the status of enslaved people in French colonies. This move is symbolic and aims to rectify a long-standing historical legacy linked to the colonial era.
Repeal of centuries-old colonial legislation
The French National Assembly adopted a resolution by a vote of 254 to 0 to repeal the “Black Code” decree signed by King Louis XIV in 1685. This decree legally framed the system of slavery in the French colonies. However, this development comes despite France having officially abolished slavery in 1848. Deputies affirmed that the measure represents a significant step in the process of revising France’s colonial history. The move aims to remove legal texts that no longer have any practical application but which still remain in the legal code.
Discussions about reparations and historical memory
This comes amid broader discussions within French political society about how to deal with the legacy of colonialism and historical memory. The vote on the “Black Code” coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal of reparations related to the period of slavery. However, he did not provide details regarding the mechanisms or scope of these reparations. This reflects the widening debate within France about historical justice and the state’s responsibility for its colonial past. At the same time, there are increasing calls for a reassessment of the symbolic and legal policies associated with that era.
