French Government Proposes Controversial Public Holiday Cuts to Tackle National Debt

Facing intense opposition, Bayrou insists drastic measures are essential to secure France’s financial future, heightening the ongoing political tension.

France's Prime Minister François Bayrou is making headlines with his controversial plan to eliminate two public holidays as part of a bold proposal aimed at slashing national debt by 2026. Suggesting the cancellation of Easter Monday and the May 8 holiday, which honors the Allied victory in World War II, Bayrou stated that too many public holidays turn May into a “gruyère” – referring to the holes in Swiss cheese. He expressed willingness to consider alternate proposals but emphasized the need for a serious reevaluation of the country’s fiscal policy.

Bayrou warned that France, the second largest economy in the eurozone, is at “mortal danger” from escalating debt, which allegedly increases by €5,000 every second. In an elaborate address laden with financial statistics, he outlined key measures to achieve budgetary control, including a freeze on public spending, the cessation of tax breaks for wealthy individuals, and a reduction in the number of civil servants. His proposal also aligns with President Emmanuel Macron's push for an increase of €3.5 billion in defense spending next year, rising further by €3 billion by 2027.

However, the idea to scrap the two May public holidays has sparked rapid backlash. The far-right National Rally party denounced the proposal as an assault on French traditions and workers' rights. Green party leader Marine Tondelier also criticized the notion of dismissing a holiday that marks a key historical event. Reporters pressed Bayrou for clarity, to which he reiterated that budgetary reform is a matter of "basic arithmetic," citing the necessary cut of €43.8 billion to manage France’s debt.

Bayrou's path is complicated by the political landscape, with his government facing potential opposition and a no-confidence vote when the budget goes before parliament this autumn. The embattled prime minister, who has held office since December following Michel Barnier's brief term, risks facing the same downfall as his predecessor if the dissenting parties, including the National Rally and left-wing factions, unite against his fiscal proposals.

With the current parliament structure marred by division, another election could lead to similar gridlock. If his administration collapses, President Macron could find himself tasked with selecting a new leader or appointing an unelected technocratic government—an outcome unlikely to gain favor among MPs. As calls for Macron to step down grow, his approval rating remains precariously below 25%, leading to speculation on how long he can remain in power amid rising discontent.