In a bold move aimed at strengthening the national economy and addressing France’s financial challenges, Prime Minister Francois Bayrou announced on Tuesday a proposal to eliminate two

existing public holidays from the French calendar. The measure is part of a broader economic reform strategy designed to improve productivity, reduce public spending, and revitalize the country’s financial health.

Speaking at a press conference in Paris, Bayrou emphasized the urgent need for structural reforms to modernize France’s economy and ensure long-term fiscal stability. He argued that reducing the number of public holidays would increase the total number of working days each year, thereby boosting economic output and contributing to the recovery of public finances strained by years of sluggish growth and rising debt.

“France faces serious financial challenges, and we must be prepared to make difficult but necessary decisions,” Bayrou stated. “By adjusting the number of public holidays, we can enhance productivity, support businesses, and strengthen the overall economy without placing a disproportionate burden on any single sector of society.”

Currently, France observes 11 national public holidays each year, in addition to weekends and various regional holidays. The Prime Minister did not specify which two holidays might be targeted for removal but indicated that the government would consult with business leaders, labor unions, and cultural organizations before making a final decision.

The proposal is expected to be met with resistance from some sectors, including trade unions and workers' advocacy groups, who traditionally view public holidays as essential to preserving work-life balance and protecting cultural traditions. Critics of the plan have already voiced concerns that reducing public holidays could negatively impact worker morale and diminish the cherished French emphasis on leisure and family life.

Supporters of the proposal, however, argue that the economic benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Proponents suggest that even a modest increase in annual working days could result in measurable gains in productivity and GDP growth, helping France compete more effectively in an increasingly globalized economy.

The government plans to open a period of public consultation and parliamentary debate on the issue in the coming weeks. The proposal is part of a larger package of economic measures under discussion, which includes tax reforms, initiatives to stimulate business investment, and efforts to reduce public sector deficits.

As France continues to grapple with economic challenges, including high unemployment and budgetary pressures, Bayrou’s proposal signals a willingness to reconsider long-held social conventions in the pursuit of national recovery. Whether the French public will embrace such changes remains to be seen. Photo by © European Union, 2025, Wikimedia commons.