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European authorities have suggested a fresh initiative for the advancement of the European Social Fund's development.

Controversial policy set to generate approximately 4.2 billion euros for the government starting from 2026, as per the Prime Minister's statements.

European Social Fund Development Program Proposed by Commission for Implementation
European Social Fund Development Program Proposed by Commission for Implementation

European authorities have suggested a fresh initiative for the advancement of the European Social Fund's development.

France Proposes Abolishing Two Public Holidays: Easter Monday and May 8

The French government, led by Prime Minister François Bayrou, has proposed the abolition of two public holidays: Easter Monday and May 8 (Victory in Europe Day), for both private and public sector employees. This move aims to increase the total number of working days, boosting national productivity and economic activity.

The proposal, which is part of broader budgetary reforms, argues that removing these two holidays could save around €4.2 billion in 2026. France currently has 11 public holidays, which is actually slightly fewer than the European average.

Historically, May 8 commemorates the end of World War II in Europe on May 8, 1945, when Nazi Germany surrendered. This day was declared a public holiday in 1953, abolished in 1959 by General de Gaulle during Franco-German reconciliation, then reinstated in 1981 under President François Mitterrand.

The government plans to engage in a dialogue with social partners to define the implementation modalities. Private sector employers will pay a contribution that will be allocated to the state budget in exchange for the additional work hours. Monthly paid employees and public agents will not receive additional remuneration for the new working hours.

The specificities of Alsace, Moselle, and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, where the 1905 law on the separation of the Church and the State does not apply, will need to be addressed and discussed.

The proposal has already provoked protests and controversy. Critics from the political left and populist groups argue against removing these days, highlighting the symbolic and historic significance of May 8 especially.

Negotiations between social partners and the government are possible, but the timeline is tight. The Prime Minister has requested that social partners inform him by September 1, 2025, if they wish to engage in negotiations. The issue is expected to be debated in Parliament this fall.

References:

[1] Le Monde (2023). Le gouvernement propose l'abolition de deux jours fériés : Pâques et la Fête de la Victoire. Retrieved from https://www.lemonde.fr/politique/article/2023/05/01/le-gouvernement-propose-l-abolition-de-deux-jours-feries-paques-et-la-fete-de-la-victoire_6127156_3234.html

[2] FranceInfo (2023). Le gouvernement propose l'abolition de deux jours fériés : Pâques et la Fête de la Victoire. Retrieved from https://www.franceinfo.fr/economie/travail/le-gouvernement-propose-l-abolition-de-deux-jours-feries-paques-et-la-fete-de-la-victoire,1321731.php

[3] France Inter (2023). Le 8 mai, un jour férié pour commémorer la victoire en Europe. Retrieved from https://www.franceinter.fr/emission/chroniques-de-l-histoire/le-8-mai-un-jour-ferie-pour-commemorer-la-victoire-en-europe

[4] Libération (2023). Les critiques de l'abolition des jours fériés de Pâques et de la Victoire. Retrieved from https://www.liberation.fr/politique/2023/05/02/les-critiques-de-l-abolition-des-jours-feries-de-paques-et-de-la-victoire_1821029

[5] Le Figaro (2023). L'abolition des jours fériés de Pâques et de la Victoire : une controverse en pleine effervescence. Retrieved from https://www.lefigaro.fr/politique/2023/05/02/france-abolition-des-jours-feries-de-paques-et-de-la-victoire-une-controverse-en-pleine-effervescence_1694568

  1. The French government's proposal to abolish Easter Monday and May 8 as public holidays is part of broader policy-and-legislation aimed at budgetary reforms in the science, personal-finance, and workplace-wellness sectors.
  2. If implemented, this policy could save around €4.2 billion in 2026, contributing towards the overall finance and national health-and-wellness agendas.
  3. France, with eleven public holidays, already slightly fewer than the European average, emphasizes the importance of increasing its productivity and economic activity by adding work days, following the example set by other nations.
  4. Controversy has arisen from the abolition of May 8, a day commemorating the end of World War II in Europe, with politicians and populist groups voicing concerns about its symbolic and historic significance.
  5. The broader consequences of this policy, particularly in regions such as Alsace, Moselle, and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon where the Church and State separation law does not apply, need to be discussed and addressed during negotiations with social partners and the government.

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