France’s Bayrou Says ‘Room for Maneuver’ on Public Holiday Cuts

France’s government is aiming for savings of €4.2 billion euros ($4.9 billion) from the state budget starting 2026 with a previously-announced plan to eliminate two public holidays, even though there is “room for maneuver,” according to Les Echos.

Prime Minister Francois Bayrou on July 15 proposed scrapping two public holidays — Easter Monday and May 8 — as part of efforts to repair public finances, a move that was widely criticized. The government is inviting social partners to indicate whether they are ready to negotiate on the plan by Sept. 1, which should, if necessary, be concluded “by Sept. 30 at the latest,” Les Echos reported, citing a letter sent by the government to social partners such as unions and employers.