Prime Minister François Bayrou of France is advocating for the elimination of two public holidays—a move aimed at reducing the country’s burgeoning national debt. In his recent address, Bayrou emphasized the severe financial challenges facing France and presented a range of austerity measures intended to regain fiscal control.
**French Prime Minister Proposes Abolishing Public Holidays to Address National Debt Crisis**
**French Prime Minister Proposes Abolishing Public Holidays to Address National Debt Crisis**
France's PM François Bayrou presents intense budget cuts including abolishing two public holidays to manage national debt.
Bayrou’s proposal includes cutting Easter Monday and May 8, which marks the Allied victory in WWII, eliciting strong reactions, with opponents viewing it as a threat to French heritage and workers' rights. He explained that the country must enhance productivity while addressing a substantial annual budget deficit. Bayrou’s plans additionally involve freezing public spending, ending tax breaks for the affluent, and reducing civil servant numbers. His budget addresses a need for €43.8 billion in cuts to support increased defense spending requested by President Emmanuel Macron.
The Prime Minister has indicated that failure to implement his budget could trigger a no-confidence vote, risking a collapse of his administration amid already precarious political conditions in the French parliament. Popular support for President Macron has diminished significantly, increasing pressure on his leadership. As Bayrou prepares for potential parliamentary battle, the proposal's implications are poised to stir a national dialogue about fiscal responsibility versus historical preservation.
The Prime Minister has indicated that failure to implement his budget could trigger a no-confidence vote, risking a collapse of his administration amid already precarious political conditions in the French parliament. Popular support for President Macron has diminished significantly, increasing pressure on his leadership. As Bayrou prepares for potential parliamentary battle, the proposal's implications are poised to stir a national dialogue about fiscal responsibility versus historical preservation.
