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
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.