PARIS — In a shocking move, French Prime Minister François Bayrou unveiled plans to eliminate Easter Monday and Victory in Europe Day on May 8 as public holidays. This radical proposal is part of an aggressive strategy to tackle France's staggering €3.3 trillion public debt and to reduce a budget deficit that remains critically high—even after the pandemic. The implications of this decision are profound and potentially disastrous for the social fabric of the nation.
Government Aims for Austerity Measures
During a press conference on July 15, 2025, Bayrou insisted that the nation must "work more" in order to collectively sacrifice for the greater good. Yet, this rhetoric is likely to backfire. According to Reuters, this austerity plan aims to trim the budget by €43.8 billion in a bid to reduce the deficit from 5.4% of GDP this year to a targeted 4.6% in 2026.
Job Cuts and Salary Freezes on the Horizon
Included in Bayrou's blueprint are drastic cuts that will see the civil service workforce shrink by 3,000, along with another 1,000 to 1,500 positions in government agencies. The healthcare sector is not exempt; Bayrou's administration plans to slash healthcare expenditures by €5 billion. Such measures reflect a distressing trend towards targeting public sector jobs and essential services that support the most vulnerable in society.
Public Backlash Against Austerity
France has a long-standing commitment to social welfare, characterized by generous public holidays and robust protections for workers. The proposed elimination of two public holidays is likely to ignite widespread discontent among citizens. As reported by AP News, the recent raising of the retirement age sparked massive protests, indicating that the public is already on edge regarding any perceived erosion of their social safety net.
Historical Context of Austerity in France
Bayrou’s comparison of France’s current economic situation to the debt crises of Greece and Spain is alarming. Such assertions not only reflect a fear-based narrative but also signal a willingness to adopt austerity measures that have historically led to increased poverty and inequality. The protests of 2023 are a stark reminder of the social unrest that accompanied previous austerity measures, as seen in the backlash against raising the retirement age from 62 to 64.
\n\n
Key dates as France seeks way to form a ruling government ...
Implications for Workers and Public Services
Freezing salaries for government employees and welfare payments, including pensions, poses serious risks to individuals and families already struggling to make ends meet. According to NPR, these cuts threaten to undermine the very principles of equity and justice that underpin France’s social contract. When the government prioritizes debt reduction over the welfare of its citizens, the result is a widening gap between the wealthy and the working class.
Call for Progressive Alternatives
The current trajectory set by Bayrou’s administration raises pressing questions about alternative solutions to tackle public debt without sacrificing the well-being of the population. A progressive taxation system that ensures the wealthy contribute their fair share could serve as a viable path forward. Rather than dismantling social safety nets, the government should prioritize investing in public services that uplift marginalized communities.
The Urgency for Accountability
As Prime Minister Bayrou pushes forward with this austerity agenda, it is imperative for civil society, unions, and political opponents to hold the government accountable. The elimination of public holidays is not just a fiscal measure; it is a direct attack on the rights and dignity of workers who rely on these days for rest and recovery. Ensuring that the voices of the most affected are amplified is crucial in combating these unjust policies.
Thousands of Danes protest cancelling of public holiday | Reuters
