14. Portugal and Colonial Slavery
Portugal played a central role in the transatlantic slave trade, forcibly transporting nearly 6 million Africans between the 15th and 19th centuries. Despite this, the Portuguese government has not issued a formal state apology to the nations and descendants affected. Official rhetoric acknowledges the “pain” of the past but stops short of formal contrition or reparations. In April 2023, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa stated that Portugal should “assume responsibility” for its past, including the exploitation and slavery involved, but did not offer a full apology. (theguardian.com)
