2026 Budget: François Bayrou proposes the elimination of these two public holidays

Prime Minister François Bayrou unveiled the broad outlines of the 2026 budget on Tuesday, July 15: a financial and political conundrum aimed at replenishing the coffers to the tune of €40 billion. All this while increasing the military budget.

To achieve this, the Prime Minister announced the elimination of two public holidays "for the entire country" : May 8 and Easter Monday. He also announced that he was open to "other ideas."

According to him, this will bring in several billion: " the whole nation must produce and work more."

The debt represents 3.3 trillion euros, or 114% of GDP, more than a year's worth of what France is capable of producing, all sectors combined. "There is still time (...) so we must act quickly and strongly, with fairness and justice," said François Bayrou.

In addition to this announcement, François Bayrou announced a "blank year," during which benefits and salary scales will not be increased: a saving of 7 billion is at stake. He also announced 3,000 fewer civil service positions by 2026.

In the social register, the Government intends to put an end to "a drift" in sick leave. According to him, 50% of these are not justified during checks. Also, "with the exception of occupational illnesses and work accidents, it will be said that it is the general practitioner or specialist who will determine the possibility of returning to work," he said. Another measure is the fight against social and tax fraud. Finally, a "solidarity contribution" will be created. It will concern the highest incomes.