**Crisis or Opportunity? France's Proposal to Scrap National Holidays to Tackle Debt**

The proposal raises questions about work culture, national identity, and economic necessity as the nation grapples with its rising debt.

In a surprising move, Prime Minister François Bayrou proposed cutting two national holidays in France as a radical measure to address the country's burgeoning debt crisis. His announcement on Tuesday sparked immediate backlash, particularly from leftist and populist factions, while earning cautious support from centrists and conservative colleagues.

France currently observes 11 public holidays a year, which is average within Europe. The suggested removals would eliminate Easter Monday and the holiday of May 8, commemorating the end of World War II, effectively mandating workers to labor two additional days annually without any salary increase. Bayrou argues that this would help enhance productivity and mitigate the country's escalating financial woes.

The French population has a deep-rooted affinity for their jours fériés (public holidays). May is especially popular, often providing multiple long weekends thanks to strategic dates falling on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Extended holidays are also afforded by Ascension Day and other significant dates like Whit Monday, which create opportunities for lengthy vacations infused with cultural significance.

Interestingly, France does not have an excessive number of holidays compared to other European nations. For example, Slovakia boasts 15 public holidays, while England and Wales are at the lower end with just eight. Studies indicate that French worker productivity is considerably higher, with output per worker exceeding that of the UK by 18%.

This is not the first time France has attempted to modify its holiday structure. A similar proposal emerged in 2003 amid a public health crisis when then-Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin turned Whit Monday into a "Day of Solidarity," which was met with significant public resistance and was later adjusted to become voluntary. Additionally, in 1959, President Charles de Gaulle abolished the May 8 holiday, claiming it was an economic necessity, a decision later reversed in the 1980s.

Bayrou's suggestion has been met with skepticism, especially given his current political vulnerability, lacking a parliamentary majority. Nevertheless, the Prime Minister's stark portrayal of the nation’s financial health—€5,000 added to national debt every second, totaling €3.3 trillion—has resonated with some. He advocates for a reassessment of France's lifestyle choices and work ethic in light of these economic realities.

As France navigates its complex relationship with national identity, labor rights, and fiscal responsibility, Bayrou's proposals may serve as a catalyst for deeper conversations about the future of work and economic stability in the nation.