**French Prime Minister Proposes Controversial Cuts to Holidays in Debt Crisis Response**

Facing parliamentary opposition, Bayrou's bold measures raise questions about the future of his government amidst a looming budget crisis.

In an audacious strategy to address France's escalating national debt, Prime Minister François Bayrou has proposed the elimination of two public holidays as part of his budget plan for 2026. The holidays in question are Easter Monday and 8 May, the latter commemorating the Allied victory in World War Two. Bayrou asserts that the excessive number of holidays has turned May into a fragmented month, akin to a Swiss cheese. However, he remains receptive to alternative suggestions from the public and political factions.

During a lengthy address, Bayrou emphasized the urgent need for fiscal reform, warning that France might face catastrophic debt consequences. He characterized the situation as "mortal danger," preparing to unveil a series of controversial measures designed to rectify the country's annual budget deficit. Key components of this plan include a freeze on public sector expenditure for the following year, the removal of tax benefits for affluent individuals, and a reduction in civil service roles.

Additionally, Bayrou's proposal must accommodate President Emmanuel Macron's mandate for increased defense spending, amounting to €3.5 billion next year and an additional €3 billion by 2027. While the suggestion to cut public holidays has captured significant media attention, it has also attracted fierce criticism. The far-right National Rally (RN) party has denounced it as an assault on national heritage and labor rights, whereas Green party leader Marine Tondelier has expressed dismay about losing a day dedicated to remembering the fight against fascism.

Responding to inquiries post-speech, Bayrou described his proposal as a matter of "basic arithmetic," asserting that France must raise over €40 billion to remain on track. Specifically, he highlighted the necessity to reduce the budget by €43.8 billion to curb debt that escalates at an alarming rate of €5,000 every second. Bayrou aims to diminish the deficit from 5.8% last year to under 4.6% next year, ultimately achieving a target of below 3% by 2029.

Since his appointment in December, Bayrou has encountered substantial challenges, inheriting a fragmented parliament following the collapse of Michel Barnier's government. Barnier's government attempted stringent budgetary controls but failed due to growing opposition, leading to a historic no-confidence vote. The current political landscape remains fraught, with factions threatening to initiate another similar vote against Bayrou's proposals.

The radical left's leader, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, has called for Bayrou’s removal, while RN leader Marine Le Pen claims the PM is targeting vulnerable populations rather than addressing governmental inefficiencies. Bayrou maintains his commitment to reform despite impending risks of parliamentary retaliation.

As France's political climate remains tumultuous, the possibility of further elections looms, potentially perpetuating the current deadlock. Should Bayrou's government fall, President Macron will face the delicate task of selecting a new leader or forming a technocratic administration—both scenarios likely unfavorable among lawmakers. Amidst these trials, Macron's popularity has plummeted below 25%, intensifying calls for his resignation before the end of his term in 2027, a notion he has firmly rejected.