French PM: two days of public holidays will be scrapped as part of 2026 budget savings drive

French PM: two days of public holidays will be scrapped as part of 2026 budget savings drive

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is set to propose the abolition of two public holidays as part of a plan to address the country's public finances, according to a report from Le Parisien newspaper. The proposal is expected to be unveiled at 4 p.m. Paris time, with the aim of sharply reducing the 2026 deficit.

The move comes amidst growing concerns over France's fiscal health, with the government facing pressure to narrow the budget gap. The proposed cuts are part of a broader strategy to stabilize the country's finances and avoid another government collapse. The specific holidays targeted by the proposal have not been disclosed, but the decision is expected to spark debate and potentially lead to a parliamentary battle.

Investors and financial professionals are closely watching the developments, as the proposed cuts could have implications for the French economy and its fiscal policies. The government's ability to implement these changes will be critical in determining the country's economic trajectory in the coming years.

References:

[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-15/french-pm-to-propose-cutting-two-public-holidays-parisien-says