French lawmakers moved to repeal a historic law governing enslaved people on May 27, 2026, according to AP. The National Assembly approved the bill, scrapping the 17th-century “Code Noir,” in a unanimous vote of 254-0, marking a significant reckoning with France’s colonial history.
What happened
On May 27, 2026, French lawmakers in the lower house of Parliament took a symbolic step by voting to repeal the “Code Noir,” a decree established in 1685 by King Louis XIV. This law had long governed enslaved people across France’s colonies. The bill’s passage is seen as a critical acknowledgment of France’s colonial past, with the National Assembly’s unanimous vote highlighting a rare moment of agreement among legislators.
“This was made by human beings — against human beings,”
said Max Mathiasin, a lawmaker descended from enslaved individuals. Many lawmakers shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for this repeal to begin addressing France’s historical injustices.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently suggested that reparations for slavery might be necessary but offered no specific details. The law had classified enslaved individuals as property, and its existence shocked many, as it had never been formally annulled following the abolition of slavery in 1848.
Why it matters
The repeal of the Code Noir is a step toward confronting the colonial legacy that has persisted in France for centuries. Observers view this action as an essential first step, albeit a symbolic one. The longstanding presence of this law in French legal history underscores the challenges of addressing systemic racism and inequalities that continue to affect descendants of enslaved people today.
Many advocates argue that actions beyond mere repeal are necessary to dismantle the remnants of colonial legislation and address racial disparities that persist in France’s overseas territories, where many former enslaved individuals’ descendants live.
Background
France abolished slavery in 1848, but the Code Noir remained active, functioning as a relic of colonial control for nearly two centuries. On May 20, 2026, lawmakers began discussions to repeal the code, revealing its status as a lingering symbol of colonial oppression as France sought to rectify its historical narrative.
In the years since abolition, territories like Guadeloupe and Martinique have been integrated as overseas departments of France but still experience socio-economic disparities compared to the mainland. The advancement toward repeal reflects ongoing efforts to reconcile with this complex past.
What’s next
The French Parliament’s action will influence upcoming discussions on reparations and continue to foster dialogue on race relations in France, specifically during Macron’s anticipated speech regarding reparations in June 2026.
