More than 8 out of 10 French citizens have responded that they oppose the French government's proposal to abolish two public holidays in consideration of national finances and productivity improvement. As public resistance grows, the government's austerity policy is facing significant obstacles.

According to the results of a survey released on the 25th (local time) by polling firm Odoxa at the request of the French daily Le Parisien, 84% of French people opposed the government's plan to abolish two public holidays.

Previously, Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, while announcing the outline of next year's budget in July, proposed removing Easter Monday and May 8th, the Victory in Europe Day commemorating the end of World War II, from the list of public holidays as a measure to boost productivity. He emphasized the need for strong austerity, stating, "If we do not reform now, we could face a fiscal crisis like Greece." The government expects that reducing public holidays could generate approximately 4.2 billion euros (about 6.7 trillion won) in additional annual tax revenue.

Considering Productivity Improvement
Proposal by the French Government

"Not Many Public Holidays"
8 out of 10 Citizens Oppose
Essentially Pointed Out as a 'Modified Tax Increase'

Prime Minister Bayrou Press Conference
Planned to Persuade the Public

'Le Ciel de Nmes' Restaurant Located in Nmes, France. Unrelated to Article Content. France Tourism Board

However, the vast majority of citizens did not agree. According to the survey, among those who opposed the proposal, 80% responded that "France's annual number of public holidays (11 days) is not high." 59% said they "do not feel the need to work more." In addition, 80% of respondents pointed out that this measure is essentially a 'modified tax increase.' This means that although taxes are not being directly raised, citizens are forced to work longer by losing days off, thereby helping to fill the government's coffers. The survey was conducted online from the 20th to the 21st, targeting 1,004 French adults.

Gael Sliman, CEO of Odoxa, explained, "The French value the balance between personal and professional life, so abolishing two public holidays feels like violence and harm." He added, "The French do not want to work more or pay additional taxes," and expressed concern that "abolishing two public holidays is a symbol of unfairness that could trigger social anger."

MacArthurGlen Designer Outlet located between Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, France. French Tourism Board

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Prime Minister Bayrou plans to hold a press conference at 4 p.m. on this day to reiterate the government's position, ahead of the budget debate in the second half of the year and anti-government movements expected in September. However, the opposition has warned that it will push for a no-confidence motion if the government does not withdraw or revise its budget plan. In particular, there is growing backlash over the removal of the May 8th 'Victory in Europe Day' as a public holiday, with critics calling it a "historical amnesia."

Cite Fertile located in Pantin near Paris, France. Photo by France Tourism Office

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The French government's plan to reduce public holidays is an austerity measure reflecting the country's severe fiscal situation. France's national debt currently stands at 114% of GDP, far exceeding the Eurozone average. The fiscal deficit reached 5.8% of GDP last year, well above the European Union (EU) recommended limit of 3%. In response, the French government is pursuing a plan to lower the deficit to 4.6% by next year and to below 3% by 2029.