Government Proposes Cutting Two Public Holidays... Public Outrage in Country Where "11 Days Is Already Too Few"

"France does not have many public holidays"... Suspicions of a 'disguised tax increase' also raised
"An unfair measure likely to spark social anger"

More than 8 out of 10 French citizens have expressed opposition to the French government's proposal to abolish two public holidays as a means to improve national finances and productivity. As public resistance grows, the government's austerity policy faces significant obstacles.

According to a poll conducted by the research firm Odoxa at the request of the French daily Le Parisien and released on the 25th (local time), 84% of French respondents opposed the government's plan to eliminate two public holidays.

"France does not have many public holidays"... Suspicions of a 'disguised tax increase' also raised

Le Ciel de Nimes restaurant located in Nimes, France. Unrelated to the article content. France Tourism Board

Previously, Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, when announcing the framework for next year's budget in July, proposed removing Easter Monday and May 8th, Victory in Europe Day, from the list of public holidays as part of efforts to boost productivity. He stressed the need for strong austerity measures, warning, "If we do not reform now, we could face a fiscal crisis like Greece." The government expects that reducing public holidays could generate approximately 4.2 billion euros (about 6.7 trillion won) in additional annual tax revenue.

However, the majority of the public did not agree with this plan. According to the survey, 80% of those who opposed the proposal said, "France does not have many public holidays (11 days per year)." Additionally, 59% responded that they "do not feel the need to work more." Furthermore, 80% of respondents pointed out that this measure is essentially a "disguised tax increase." While taxes are not being directly raised, citizens would have to work longer, effectively covering the government's fiscal gap. The survey was conducted online on August 20-21, targeting 1,004 French adults.

"An unfair measure that could trigger social anger"

MacArthurGlen Designer Outlet located between Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, France. French Tourism Board

Gael Sliman, CEO of Odoxa, explained, "The French value the balance between personal and professional life, so abolishing two public holidays feels like violence and harm." He added, "The French do not want to work more or pay additional taxes. Eliminating two public holidays is a symbol of unfairness that could trigger an explosion of social anger."

Prime Minister Bayrou is scheduled to hold a press conference at 4 p.m. today to reiterate the government's position, ahead of the budget session in the second half of the year and anti-government actions expected in September. However, the opposition has warned that it will pursue a vote of no confidence if the government does not withdraw or revise its budget policy. In particular, there is growing backlash over the removal of the May 8th 'Victory in Europe Day' public holiday, with critics calling it "historical amnesia."

Cite Fertile located in Pantin near Paris, France. Photo by France Tourism Office

The French government's plan to reduce public holidays is an austerity measure reflecting the country's severe fiscal situation. France's national debt currently stands at 114% of GDP, far exceeding the Eurozone average. The fiscal deficit reached 5.8% of GDP last year, well above the 3% threshold recommended by the European Union. In response, the French government is working to reduce the deficit to 4.6% by next year and to bring it below 3% by 2029.