French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has proposed scrapping two public holidays as part of sweeping efforts to rein in the country’s mounting debt burden.
Unveiling his government’s 2026 budget plans on Tuesday, Bayrou described France’s debt dependence as a “curse with no way out,” noting that the state is forced to borrow every month to cover civil servant wages and pensions.
Under the proposal, Easter Monday and May 8 — which marks Victory in Europe Day — could be removed from France’s calendar of 11 national holidays. The change would bring France closer to Germany, which has nine national holidays (with individual states adding their own), and reduce its total below Italy’s 12.
The move comes as the European Union intensifies pressure on France to cut its deficit and reduce borrowing after years of persistent overspending.
Losing two public holidays, meanwhile, would add “several billions of euros” to the state’s coffers, Bayrou said.
But the proposed measure sparked an immediate protest from Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally.
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French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou’s proposal to scrap two public holidays has triggered fierce backlash across the political spectrum, with opponents denouncing the plan as an assault on national identity and workers’ rights.
Critics argue that removing Easter Monday and May 8, which commemorates the end of World War II in Europe, would undermine France’s historical heritage.
“This is a direct attack on our history, our roots, and on labour in France,” warned Marine Le Pen’s party, vowing to support a no-confidence motion if Bayrou presses ahead.
Leftist leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon called for Bayrou’s immediate resignation, condemning what he termed “unbearable injustices,” while fellow France Unbowed MP Mathilde Panot accused the prime minister of waging a “social war.”
Bayrou has argued that France’s precarious public finances demand urgent action, warning that next year’s budget gap could exceed €40 billion ($46.5 billion). That figure is expected to rise further after President Emmanuel Macron announced plans over the weekend to boost military spending by €3.5 billion in 2026, citing heightened global security threats. France’s defence budget for 2025 stands at €50.5 billion.