Portugal's government rejects paying slavery reparations

Portugal's government has said it refuses to initiate any process to pay reparations for atrocities committed during transatlantic slavery and the colonial era, contrary to earlier comments from President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

From the 15th to the 19th century, six million Africans were kidnapped and forcibly transported across the Atlantic by Portuguese vessels and sold into slavery, primarily in Brazil.

Mr Rebelo de Sousa had said Portugal could use several methods to pay reparations, such as cancelling the debt of former colonies and providing financing.