François Bayrou is proposing to abolish the Easter Monday and May 8 public holidays to improve France's public finances, a controversial measure.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has proposed eliminating Easter Monday and May 8 Victory Day as part of a plan to restore public finances. The measure, designed to reduce public debt, has been criticized by the opposition and could affect the stability of his minority government. Bayrou has emphasized the need for collective sacrifice, but French voters, attached to days off, could react negatively. The government is aiming for significant spending cuts, including slashing public sector jobs and freezing salaries.