France: goodbye to two public holidays?

The key points: The French Prime Minister, François Bayrou, has proposed scrapping two public holidays—Easter Monday and May 8 (Victory in Europe Day) starting in 2026 as part of efforts to reduce the national deficit. This move aims to save €4.2 billion. France’s deficit stood at 5.8% of GDP in 2024, second worst in the Eurozone after Slovakia. Although the typical French worker works fewer hours annually than the European average, the government insists productivity must improve.

Why this matters: Public holidays are sensitive cultural and historical markers, and cutting two could provoke strong public backlash, especially in a country that values its work-life balance and tradition. While the measure might have a fiscal rationale, the financial gain is relatively small compared to the deficit, and it comes amid wider questions about workplace productivity in France and the EU.

What might happen next: The proposal could trigger public debate or resistance, potentially forcing the government to reconsider or adjust its approach. Other policy alternatives on work pattern reforms or productivity incentives might be explored, or the government might look for less contentious budget savings.