King of the Netherlands apologizes for country’s historic role in slavery

() — The King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, apologized on Saturday for the country’s historic involvement in slavery and the effects it still has today.

The king was speaking at a ceremony marking the 160th anniversary of the legal abolition of slavery in the Netherlands, including its former colonies in the Caribbean.

“On this day that we remember the Dutch history of slavery, I apologize for this crime against humanity,” he said, adding that racism in Dutch society is still a problem and not everyone would support his apology.

However, “times have changed and Keti Koti… the chains have really broken,” he said to cheers and applause from thousands of spectators at the national slavery monument in Amsterdam’s Oosterpark.

“Keti Koti” are Surinamese words meaning “the chain is broken” and is the way in which July 1 is designated as a day to commemorate slavery and celebrate freedom.

The apology comes amid a broader reconsideration of the Netherlands’ colonial past, including involvement in both the Atlantic slave trade and slavery in its former Asian colonies.

Willem-Alexander apologized in Indonesia in 2020 for “excessive violence” during Dutch colonial rule.

In December, Prime Minister Mark Rutte acknowledged that the Dutch state had a responsibility in and benefited from the Atlantic slave trade, and also apologized.

Rutte said however that the government will not pay for the repairs, as recommended by an advisory panel in 2021.

A government-commissioned study published last month found that the House of Orange benefited about $600 million today from the Dutch colonies between 1675-1770, much of it as a gift from the Dutch Company’s spice trade profits. of the East Indies.

In December, the Royal House commissioned an independent inquiry into the role of the Royal Family in colonial history, the results of which are expected in 2025.