Portugal must pay costs for colonial era, says president

By Nur Asena Erturk

Portugal must pay the costs for the colonial era, the country's president said, according to Portuguese media outlets on Wednesday.

The country takes responsibility for its past mistakes, and must pay its costs, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa told foreign reporters in Lisbon on Tuesday, broadcaster SIC Noticias reported Wednesday.

The president added that the country must find solutions to repair damages.

He added that apologizing is easy, while taking responsibility is more important.

Portugal was one of the biggest colonial empires in terms of extension, reaching Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

The country was responsible for the trafficking of almost 6 million people, according to SIC Noticias.