Why France’s prime minister wants to scrap two public holidays
Minister is keen to cut two bank holidays – which ones and why
- France's Prime Minister, Francois Bayrou, has proposed eliminating two public holidays, potentially including Easter Monday and Allied victory day, to generate savings for the 2026 budget.
- This controversial measure is part of a broader fiscal plan aiming to achieve an estimated €44 billion in overall savings to address France's substantial debt and deficit.
- Mr Bayrou argues that scrapping holidays would boost economic activity and tax revenues, aligning with President Emmanuel Macron's directive to repair public finances.
- Easter Monday and Victory Day were among the holidays discussed
- The proposals face significant opposition from unions and the far-right National Rally, complicating their passage through a hung parliament where Macron's centrist grouping lacks a majority.