The French government confirmed in an 8 August orientation letter that it aims to raise €4.2 billion a year from 2026 by removing the public-holiday status of two national days, most likely Easter Monday and the 8 May Victory in Europe Day. Employees in both the public and private sectors would work those days without additional pay, while companies would pay a levy to the state, mirroring the 2004 “solidarity day” model. Prime Minister François Bayrou told social partners they must indicate by 1 September whether they wish to negotiate on the plan, with any talks to conclude no later than 30 September so the measure can be folded into the 2026 budget bill. Bayrou said there is “room for manoeuvre” on which holidays are ultimately chosen, provided the fiscal yield is maintained. France’s five main trade-union confederations—CFDT, CGT, FO, CFE-CGC and CFTC—jointly denounced the proposal and will meet on 1 September to coordinate their response. The holiday cuts form part of a broader deficit-reduction drive unveiled in July that seeks €43.8 billion in savings next year.