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French Public Oppose Holiday Cuts Amid Austerity Measures
By Anya Sharma | PARIS – 2025/08/25 07:35:06
A recent survey highlights meaningful public disapproval of austerity measures proposed by teh French government. According to an Odoxa survey published by The Parisian,a large majority (84%) of French citizens oppose the elimination of two public holidays as part of François bayrou’s plan to rectify public finances.
The Prime Minister’s proposal, made in mid-July, suggested removing Easter Monday and May 8 to generate 4.2 billion euros of the 44 billion euros in savings targeted for the 2026 budget.
Public Sees holiday Cuts as “Violence”
The survey also revealed that 83% of respondents were against the removal of even one of the two holidays. Furthermore, 80% believe that eliminating public holidays is a “disguised tax,” while 66% “do not see the relationship between working more and the betterment of the debt and deficits of France”.
“The French don’t want it. They are due to their balance between personal life and professional life and this measure is experienced as violence and damage,” said Gaël Sliman, president of odoxa.
François Bayrou is scheduled to hold a press conference this Monday,marking the beginning of a challenging period for his government,which faces potential censure from the left and the national rally regarding its budgetary plans. He is also contending with calls for nationwide protests planned for September 10.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: Why is the French government proposing to cut public holidays?
- A: the government aims to reduce the budget deficit and generate savings to meet financial targets.
- Q: What are the specific holidays being considered for elimination?
- A: Easter Monday and May 8 are the holidays proposed for removal.
- Q: How much money does the government expect to save by cutting these holidays?
- A: The government anticipates saving 4.2 billion euros.
- Q: What is the public’s general sentiment towards these austerity measures?
- A: The public is largely opposed to the holiday cuts, viewing them as a disguised tax and a disruption to their work-life balance.
- Q: what actions are being planned in response to these measures?
- A: Calls for nationwide protests have been launched, with demonstrations planned for September 10.
