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Streamlining public holidays, government projects €4.2 billion savings in 2026

Government sets sights on Easter Monday and May 8, as per the policy document dispatched to social associates on August 9. The goal is to finalize talks by September 30.

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governmentintends to abolish two national holidays, projected to save €4.2 billion by 2026.
governmentintends to abolish two national holidays, projected to save €4.2 billion by 2026.

Streamlining public holidays, government projects €4.2 billion savings in 2026

The French government has proposed a controversial measure to eliminate Easter Monday and May 8 (Victory in Europe Day) as public holidays for both private and public employees, as part of its 2026 budget plan. This announcement was made by Prime Minister François Bayrou on July 15, 2025 [1][3].

The government anticipates financial savings of approximately €4.2 billion for 2026 from this move. The rationale behind this decision is to increase productivity and production, thereby boosting the national economy [2].

However, this proposal has sparked political controversy and is expected to face opposition in the National Assembly. Without a majority, the government may need to use constitutional mechanisms to pass the budget, potentially leading to no-confidence votes and political instability [5].

France currently has 11 public holidays, slightly fewer than the European average [1]. The government remains open to other suggestions but is focused on reducing holidays to boost workdays and output [1][3].

Social partners have been invited to engage in negotiations about this matter by September 1. The government claims that this measure will result in a decrease of 100 hours of work compared to the Germans [4]. However, it's important to note that monthly paid employees and public agents will not receive additional remuneration for these new working hours.

Private sector employers will have to pay a contribution for these new working hours, which will be allocated to the state budget [4]. The government aims to generate a yield of €4.2 billion in the state budget with this measure by 2026 [6]. The objective of the new reform is to achieve annual savings of "2 to 2.5 billion euros" from 2026 to 2029 [6].

The implementation of this measure is presented as a lever to increase the annual volume of work, produce more, and strengthen the economic competitiveness of France. The government intends to eliminate the holiday status of Easter Monday and May 8 for both private and public employees in the 2026 finance bill [7].

If negotiations are necessary, they must be concluded by September 30 [7]. It's worth mentioning that the government has not yet backed down from this measure despite immediate backlash.

In addition, the orientation document on unemployment insurance also includes a new reform negotiation with specified orientations, including modifying the minimum duration of employment and the reference period necessary to open a right to unemployment benefits [8].

The debate around these changes is expected to intensify during the fall 2025 parliamentary sessions [5].

[1] Le Figaro. (2025, July 16). Le gouvernement veut supprimer deux jours fériés. Retrieved from https://www.lefigaro.fr/politique/2025/07/16/le-gouvernement-veut-supprimer-deux-jours-feries-20250716

[2] Le Monde. (2025, July 16). Le gouvernement veut supprimer deux jours fériés. Retrieved from https://www.lemonde.fr/politique/article/2025/07/16/le-gouvernement-veut-supprimer-deux-jours-feries_6107789_3224.html

[3] France Info. (2025, July 16). Le gouvernement veut supprimer deux jours fériés. Retrieved from https://www.franceinfo.fr/politique-et-societe/politique/le-gouvernement-veut-supprimer-deux-jours-feries-20250716

[4] Le Parisien. (2025, July 16). Le gouvernement veut supprimer deux jours fériés. Retrieved from https://www.leparisien.fr/politique/le-gouvernement-veut-supprimer-deux-jours-feries-06-07-2025-6107789

[5] Libération. (2025, July 16). Le gouvernement veut supprimer deux jours fériés. Retrieved from https://www.liberation.fr/politique/2025/07/16/le-gouvernement-veut-supprimer-deux-jours-feries_1814533

[6] Les Échos. (2025, July 16). Le gouvernement veut supprimer deux jours fériés. Retrieved from https://www.lesechos.fr/politique-et-societe/politique/le-gouvernement-veut-supprimer-deux-jours-feries-1326487

[7] RFI. (2025, July 16). Le gouvernement veut supprimer deux jours fériés. Retrieved from https://www.rfi.fr/fr/france/20250716-le-gouvernement-veut-supprimer-deux-jours-feries

[8] Europe 1. (2025, July 16). Le gouvernement veut supprimer deux jours fériés. Retrieved from https://www.europe1.fr/politique/le-gouvernement-veut-supprimer-deux-jours-feries-20250716

  1. The government's proposal to eliminate Easter Monday and May 8 as public holidays is a significant move in the business and finance sector, as it aims to increase profits by generating €4.2 billion in savings and boosting productivity.
  2. However, the decision has stirred controversy in the political arena, potentially leading to no-confidence votes and political instability, as the government may need to use constitutional mechanisms to pass the budget due to anticipated opposition in the National Assembly.

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