PARIS, July 18 (V7N) — French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has proposed eliminating two public holidays as part of a broader plan to reduce the country’s growing debt. The plan aims to boost national productivity and improve France’s financial situation by encouraging citizens to work more throughout the year.
 
Bayrou outlined the deficit-reduction measures on Tuesday, targeting savings of 43.8 billion euros ($50.88 billion) for the coming year. He stated, “The entire nation must work more — to produce, to increase overall national activity throughout the year, and to improve France’s situation.”
 
This proposal echoes a controversial measure introduced in 2003 by former Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, who scrapped the Pentecost Monday holiday and replaced it with a “day of solidarity.” This move, intended to raise funds for elderly care after a deadly heatwave, faced widespread confusion and strikes. The political fallout contributed to Raffarin’s resignation shortly afterward.
 
Bayrou’s current political future is uncertain. Since taking office last December, he has survived multiple no-confidence attempts but faces renewed challenges as budget talks intensify. The far-right National Rally (RN), France’s largest parliamentary party, has warned it will support a no-confidence motion if Bayrou proceeds with his plans without change. RN leader Marine Le Pen stated on Tuesday, “If Francois Bayrou does not change his plans, we’ll vote for a motion of no-confidence against him.”
 
Bayrou’s bold fiscal strategy aims to balance France’s budget but risks igniting public backlash reminiscent of past reforms.
 
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