France to abolish Easter Monday holiday for budget savings
French Prime Minister François Bayrou. Photo: open sources
The French government plans to include in the 2026 state budget a provision abolishing two public holidays – Easter Monday and May 8 (Europe’s Victory Day). The report comes from the French newspaper Les Echos.
According to a letter from Prime Minister François Bayrou sent to business and labor associations, this measure is expected to bring an additional €4.2 billion to the state budget in 2026 alone.
The authorities justify the move by noting that the French work fewer hours than their European counterparts. For example, in Germany, full-time employees work 1,790 hours per year, compared to 1,673 hours for similar positions in France.
The Cabinet is open to compromise: if the abolition of these particular holidays meets strong resistance, the government will consider scrapping other public holidays instead.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that France topped the list of anti-Christian countries in the EU.
Read also
In Washington, Orthodox Christians gather in support of UOC
In the capital of the USA, representatives of various Orthodox churches and Christian communities organized the Orthodox Christian and Allies Day of Action.
UOC parish in Freiburg holds concert in support of AFU soldiers
The UOC parish in Freiburg held a charity concert and raised 1150 euros for Ukrainian soldiers.
In France, cities setting up Christmas crèches despite court rulings
Residents of Béziers, Perpignan, and other cities in France are defending the installation of Nativity scenes despite court rulings.
Clergy and laity of Kirovohrad Eparchy become blood donors
The event was held in collaboration with the Red Cross Society.
Russia responds to proposal for Christmas ceasefire
The Kremlin responded to Merz's proposals for a Christmas ceasefire.
Two court hearings in Metropolitan Arseniy’s case scheduled for December 17
The hearings will consider appeals filed by the defense lawyers.