French National Assembly Unanimously Repeals Historic Code Noir Slavery Law
On May 28, 2026, the French National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to repeal the Code Noir, a 1685 decree under Louis XIV that regulated slavery in French colonies. Though slavery was abolished in 1848, the Code Noir remained technically in force. The repeal, supported by President Macron and Prime Minister Bayrou, was marked by an emotional speech from MP Steevy Gustave, who recalled his enslaved ancestors. Critics note the move is symbolic, as France’s overseas departments still face economic disparities linked to this history.
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French National Assembly Unanimously Repeals Code Noir; MP Delivers Emotional Speech
On May 28, 2026, the French National Assembly unanimously approved at first reading the repeal of the Code Noir (Black Code) and all texts that regulated slavery in French colonies, which had never been formally repealed after abolition in 1848. During the debate, environmentalist MP Steevy Gustave delivered a moving speech, recalling his great-grandmother Maman Bébelle, the granddaughter of an enslaved African man numbered 336. Gustave, visibly emotional, stated that those whom history silenced now speak at the heart of the Republic. He emphasized that facing this truth is about choosing lucidity over silence, not about accusing France or demanding repentance. The vote marks a historic legislative step to formally erase the legal framework of slavery from French law.
Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.French Assembly Unanimously Repeals Code Noir; MP Delivers Emotional Speech on Family Slavery History
On May 28, 2026, the French National Assembly unanimously approved at first reading the repeal of the Code Noir and all texts that regulated slavery in French colonies, which had never been formally repealed after 1848. During the session, environmentalist MP Steevy Gustave of Essonne delivered a moving speech, recalling his great-grandmother 'Maman Bébelle' and her father Ambroise Zerambe, who was enslaved under number 336. Gustave, with tears in his eyes, spoke of the pain passed down through generations and emphasized that facing this truth is about lucidity, not repentance. He declared that those whom history sought to silence now speak at the heart of the Republic. The repeal marks a historic legislative step addressing France's colonial legacy.
Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.French Parliament Votes to Repeal Colonial-Era Black Code
France's National Assembly voted unanimously (254-0) to formally repeal the Code Noir, or Black Code, a 1685 decree signed by King Louis XIV that classified enslaved people as movable property and governed slavery in French colonies. Although France abolished slavery in 1848, the law remained technically on the books for nearly two centuries. The repeal was proposed by lawmaker Max Mathiasin from Guadeloupe, a descendant of enslaved people. During the emotional debate, lawmaker Steevy Gustave from Martinique broke down in tears, stating that descendants of the enslaved are 'descendants of human beings born free, then reduced to the worst.' President Emmanuel Macron called the law's continued existence an 'offense' but stopped short of an apology. Critics argue the repeal is symbolic, as France's overseas departments—home to 1.9 million people mostly descended from the enslaved—remain among the poorest French territories with high unemployment and poverty rates.
The Washington Times stories: CultureFrench National Assembly to Debate Repeal of Historic Code Noir Governing Slavery
The French National Assembly is scheduled to discuss on May 28, 2026, a bill to repeal the Code Noir, a legal text that regulated slavery in French colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Code Noir, originally drafted under Louis XIV by Jean-Baptiste Colbert and his son, detailed rules for slave treatment, including punishments for escape and mandatory Catholic conversion. Although slavery was abolished during the French Revolution, reinstated by Napoleon, and finally abolished in 1848, the Code Noir itself was never formally repealed. The repeal effort, supported by President Emmanuel Macron and promised by Prime Minister François Bayrou, is seen as an important memorial gesture, particularly during May, a month of commemoration for descendants of slavery victims. The article includes a video explaining the text's origins and content, and references broader discussions about reparations.
Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.French National Assembly to Debate Repeal of the Code Noir, the 17th-Century Slavery Law
The French National Assembly is set to discuss a bill on May 28, 2026, to repeal the Code Noir, a legal text from the 17th and 18th centuries that governed slavery in French colonies. Drafted under Louis XIV by Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the Code Noir regulated the lives of slaves and masters, including rules on punishment for escape and mandatory Catholic conversion. Although slavery was abolished in 1848, the Code Noir itself was never formally repealed. The repeal effort, supported by President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister François Bayrou, is seen as an important memorial gesture, especially during May, a month of commemoration for descendants of slavery victims. The article includes a video explaining the origins and content of the Code Noir and discusses the broader question of reparations.
Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.