Her prime minister France, François Bairouhe wants to abolish two holidays to bring back the country’s economy to the “right way”. However, this is a bold move: the last French leader who tried to do something similar was soon unemployed.
François Bairou, has set his goal of decrease in debt while at the same time giving battle for his political survival. Describing the budget of 2026 on Tuesday (15.07.2025), he proposed to abolish the Easter Monday and May 8 considered holidays and regular business days in France – although it said it is open to other options.
Indeed, the French Prime Minister said that “We are at a critical moment of our story“As France’s public deficit amounted to 5.8% of GDP in 2024 for a public debt representing almost 114% of GDPthird largest in the eurozone, after Greece and Italy.
“The whole nation must work longer – to produce, increase the overall activity throughout the year and improve the situation of France.
For this I suggest removing two public holidays“, Baire said.
His idea is not original
In 2003, a few months after the heat that killed almost 15,000 peoplethen Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Rafaren announced a plan for the abolition Pentecost’s holiday and its replacement with a “Solidarity Day”.
It was presented as a form of “citizens’ duty to finance the support measures for the elderly, who were disproportionately affected by the heat. That day the workers would not be paid for their workwhile employers would also contribute.
Measure was applied in 2005 and was destruction. Some offices and schools were closed, others were operating normally. Some workers were paid, others not. There were strikes and protest mobilizations.
«Evolved into social and political chaos“Le Monde wrote in her main article then.
Two weeks later, since voters rejected In the referendum, the European Union Constitution, Rafaren resigned.
Bairo’s uncertain future
Bayrou, who has survived 8 attempts to overthrow his After taking over the prime minister last December, he is sure to face new censure proposals in the coming months as long as the budget is being discussed.
His fate depends largely on the far -right national alarm (RN)the largest party in parliament, which could throw the government if its MPs work with the Left.
‘If Bayrou does not change his plans, we will testify motion of censure Against him, ”RN Leader Marin Lepen said on Tuesday. Baire’s “exit” also spoke of the leaders of the left, such as Jean-Luc Melanson of France and Olivier Forest of the Socialist Party.
Jean-Daniel Levi, of the Harris Interactive Institute, told Reuters that although the majority supports Bairo’s efforts to reduce the deficit, 70% of the French involved in a poll disagree by removing the two holidays and 61% rejects the proposal to freeze social spending.
“I think everyone agrees that an effort should be made – but there are efforts and efforts,” the 85 -year -old said Jean -Claude VIOwhile he was riding the streets of Paris.
“Is he making any effort?” He questioned for Bairou, saying that the 74 -year -old prime minister ‘would be preferable to get pension instead of holding a place that could go to someone younger. “
The abolition of Pentecost’s holiday was easier to pass in 2003, Levi said, as many French wanted to help after the deadly heatwave. But Bairou does not have such a means of pressure.
«Regarded as a double punishment. Work more without winning more and losing moments of rest, “Levi explained.
Speaking to TF1 TV for public holidays, Labor Minister Astrid Panosian-Bouve said that “in return” for additional working days, a “contribution” to businesses will be requested, without specifying exactly what.