National Assembly Votes 254–0 to Repeal Code Noir Slavery Decree

France's National Assembly voted 254–0 to repeal the Code Noir, the 1685 royal decrees signed by Louis XIV that classified enslaved colonists as 'moveable goods' and had never formally been removed from French law despite the abolition of slavery in 1848. The vote was emotionally charged, with lawmakers descended from enslaved people in Martinique and Guadeloupe speaking on the floor. President Macron had recently floated the concept of a 'debt owed' to former colonies at the Taubira Law's 25th anniversary (May 21), though he committed no specific funds. Critics noted the measure is largely symbolic since the Code Noir has had no legal effect since 1848; the Senate must still act for full repeal, and no reparations program was announced.