France faces strong public opposition to Prime Minister François Bayrou's proposal to remove two public holidays, Easter Monday and May 8th, as part of a plan to cut the 2026 budget by approximately 4.2 billion euros.

The government’s plan, announced in mid-July, aims to save 44 billion euros overall by eliminating these holidays, but it has sparked controversy and criticism, especially since a majority of 84% of French respondents oppose the measure.

Historically, the date of May 8th, marking the end of World War II, has been modified before by leaders like De Gaulle and Mitterrand, indicating its significance is not fixed, and some critics argue the holiday’s symbolic value should be preserved.

The decision has been widely viewed as damaging to Bayrou’s popularity, which is already at a low point for a Prime Minister in the Fifth Republic, and has alienated opposition parties, social partners, and even some within his own government.

Prime Minister Bayrou is scheduled to hold a press conference amid mounting political tensions, including threats of censure from the left and the National Rally, as well as calls to block the country on September 10.

The government’s proposals include extending the workweek by two days without pay, which would reduce workers’ hourly income and purchasing power, affecting nearly 30 million employees.

This increase in unpaid workdays could lead to a significant loss of income for employees, raising concerns about its fairness and impact on the workforce.

Odoxa’s president Gaël Sliman emphasized that the French highly value their work-life balance and see these holiday cuts as a form of violence and moral mistake, reflecting widespread public disapproval.

Critics like historian Timothée Duverger argue that the focus on increasing work hours is misguided, pointing out that France’s real issues lie in low employment rates and youth access to the job market.

Public opinion remains largely against the measure, with about 75% of French people expressing hostility, and skepticism persists about the claimed economic benefits, given that the budget does not address tax breaks for corporations or wealth taxes.

While the holidays are expected to generate around 4.2 billion euros for the state, critics argue that the measure is unfair and lacks a comprehensive approach to fiscal reform.

The historical and cultural importance of May 8th and Easter Monday remains significant, with debates highlighting their symbolic value and the potential loss of national memory.

Overall, the public’s skepticism and opposition reflect a broader cultural resistance to measures perceived as undermining work-life balance and national traditions, amid ongoing political tensions.