In a daring move to address France’s mounting debt, Prime Minister François Bayrou has proposed the elimination of two national holidays: Easter Monday and May 8. This proposal, announced on Tuesday, has sparked significant outcry from various political factions, particularly from the left and the populist right. While some members within his centrist and conservative allies have shown cautious support, the idea of forcing citizens to forgo two days off annually for no extra pay has proven to be a tough sell.
The French hold their public holidays dear, relishing in the long weekends that often arise throughout May, particularly when key holidays like Workers' Day or Victory in Europe Day coincide with weekends. These holidays allow for extended breaks, providing citizens with much-needed downtime and respite from the workweek.
Despite popular beliefs about excessive holiday-taking, France actually boasts a similar number of public holidays as its European neighbors, including Germany and the Netherlands. With 11 public holidays each year, the nation prepares for numerous breaks and relaxation periods. Indeed, French productivity—output per worker—is commendably higher than that of the UK, which raises further questions about the connection between public holidays and workplace efficiency.
Interestingly, this is not the first time that attempts have been made to remove national holidays in France. In 2003, former President Jacques Chirac’s administration explored a similar route following a devastating heatwave, rebranding Whit Monday as a Day of Solidarity. Despite backlash, the initiative still generates significant revenues for aiding vulnerable populations.
Looking back to history, Charles de Gaulle, in 1959, removed the May 8 holiday, citing financial reasons; this decision was later reversed in 1981. As the debate surrounding Bayrou's suggestion intensifies—especially after Greens accused him of attempting to erase historical memory concerning Nazism—Bayrou and his supporters emphasize the urgent need to reassess France’s economic trajectory.
Despite his boldness, the reality remains that Bayrou’s push for these changes faces significant legislative hurdles, given his lack of parliamentary majority. Nonetheless, he has taken advantage of his precarious position to voice the government's economic truths. With national debt escalating at an alarming rate—€5,000 added every second—Bayrou's proposition might be viewed not just as an attempt at fiscal discipline, but as a necessary exploration of redefining work-life balance in contemporary France.
