A large majority of the French public opposes the proposal to cancel two public holidays for budgetary reasons, according to an Odoxa survey released on Monday.
The survey revealed that 84% of respondents are against the cancellation of Easter Monday and May 8—two dates targeted by the government’s cost-saving plan for 2026.
Furthermore, 80% of the participants believe that this measure resembles a “stealth tax” without guaranteeing an improvement in public finances, while 66% expressed doubts about its effectiveness in reducing the deficit.
Prime Minister François Bayrou has proposed this step to increase the number of working days and boost growth and tax revenues. However, the significant public rejection complicates its political passage as the parliamentary session approaches.
Consequently, the ruling coalition finds itself facing widespread societal opposition, while alternative measures, such as tax hikes or extending working hours, are similarly met with rejection.
