French Prime Minister François Bayrou sparked immediate debate on Tuesday by proposing the elimination of two public holidays as part of his 2026 budget roadmap, aimed at saving €40 billion while increasing defense spending.
Speaking during what he called his “moment of truth,” Bayrou on Tuesday suggested scrapping Easter Monday and May 8th, criticizing the “Swiss cheese” effect of long weekends in May.
The Prime Minister argued that such a reform would boost national productivity and generate several billion euros in annual gains.
A 2023 Senate report estimated that canceling a single public holiday could save €2.4 billion per year.
Bayrou insisted the proposal was part of broader efforts to stabilize public finances without raising taxes.
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