French Prime Minister François Bayrou has proposed eliminating two public holidays — potentially Easter Monday and Victory in Europe (VE) Day — in a controversial bid to cut spending and boost economic output.
Bayrou’s plan is part of a broader effort to find €44 billion ($51.3 billion) in savings as France struggles to rein in its growing debt and deficit. The proposal, unveiled Tuesday, is among several tough measures included in what critics are calling an ambitious and possibly doomed budget plan.
The prime minister questioned the continued relevance of Easter Monday and suggested that Victory Day, observed on May 8, contributes to an overly fragmented work month. “May has become a veritable Gruyère,” Bayrou said, referring to the many days off that month, which also include May Day and Ascension Thursday.
Removing two public holidays would, Bayrou argued, increase tax revenues by spurring additional economic activity. However, he emphasized that the two dates mentioned are only suggestions and that other options are on the table.
With only 11 official holidays annually, any attempt to cut them is likely to face stiff public and political resistance. President Emmanuel Macron, who tasked Bayrou with drafting the cost-cutting budget, must now build support across a fragmented parliament, where his centrist alliance lacks a majority.
The budget, which also includes increased defense spending amid rising geopolitical tensions, is set to be debated this fall.
