The President of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), Leslie Voltaire, told France 24 and RFI that it was French President Emmanuel Macron who raised the issue of reparations and restitution of Haiti’s independence ransom during their meeting on Wednesday, January 29. "I didn’t bring it up. He was the one who started talking about restitution and reparations. He said that on April 17, which marks the bicentennial of that ransom, he will make a statement," said Leslie Voltaire.

When asked whether financial compensation was discussed with Macron, Voltaire responded: "We didn’t talk about money. We discussed the principle of a declaration and that we would explore the matter together." He added, "Relations are very good and cordial."