• French PM François Bayrou proposes eliminating Easter Monday and May 8 public holidays to cut national debt.
• Budget plan aims to reduce public deficit by €43.8 billion in 2026 amid rising defense spending.
• Proposal has already faced backlash from various political factions and unions.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has proposed cutting two public holidays from the calendar—Easter Monday and May 8, which marks Victory Day in Europe—aimed at saving money in the 2026 budget. Bayrou argued that these cuts would not only reduce expenses but also increase economic activity by generating additional tax revenues, contributing to overall savings estimated at around €44 billion, which could be pivotal for addressing France's rising debt levels, currently at 114% of GDP, the second highest in the EU after Greece, according to Le Monde and Channel News Asia.

Describing the country's financial situation as a "curse," Bayrou emphasized that France borrows monthly to cover expenditures such as pensions and civil servant salaries. He remarked that the elimination of these holidays is imperative for enhancing productivity, which he believes is necessary for economic recovery. He noted that cutting the holidays would help reduce the public deficit from 5.8% to 4.6% in 2026 and below the EU's 3% target by 2029, according to BBC, Le Monde, and Los Angeles Times.

However, Bayrou's proposal has led to significant opposition, with various political parties and labor unions expressing strong discontent. Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, condemned the cut as an attack on the nation's historical values, arguing that it undermines the significance of both Easter Monday and May 8. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, from the left-wing France Unbowed party, also called for Bayrou's resignation, labeling the proposal an injustice, according to South China Morning Post, The Local, and Africanews.

In addition to the holiday cuts, Bayrou's budget proposal includes a freeze on public spending, excluding debt servicing and defense budgets, which is projected to rise by €3.5 billion in 2026 due to emerging global threats. The government plans to cut the number of civil servants by 3,000 and limit welfare benefits to their 2025 levels. The move signifies an overarching strategy to tighten national finances amid fears of escalating debt, according to Le Monde and Africanews.

The proposal will face challenges in the French Parliament, where Macron's centrist coalition lacks a majority. Bayrou's ability to enact these measures will likely hinge on garnering support from opposition parties. Analysts note that his position is precarious, as failure to pass the budget could lead to a no-confidence vote, severely jeopardizing his tenure, as highlighted by Le Monde and BBC.