The proposal is quite spicy. But it’s worth the gamble for the rebels. And for good reason, May 1st, the international workers’ day traditionally celebrated as a day off, could lose its special status. The text defended by the majority aims to allow certain sectors to have their employees work on that day, in the name of reviving economic activity. A proposed law that would affect around 1,400,000 employees, ranging from to florists, as well as food shops and cinemas.
A red line for the rebellious elected officials, like the deputy Thomas Portes, who denounce a challenge to a major social achievement.
In their sights: a logic deemed productivist, already illustrated by previous government initiatives aimed at🙅 84 % des Français s'opposent désormais à la suppression des deux jours fériés proposés par le Premier ministre, dans le cadre du plan budgétaire 2026. #sondage
— CFE-CGC (@CFECGC) August 29, 2025
↗ Un chiffre en constante augmentation depuis l'annonce de la mesure.https://t.co/T3n3bxqHU3
Seven dates to tell a different story of France
But instead of simply opposing, La France insoumise puts forward a totally unexpected counter-proposal: to enrich the calendar with seven new public holidays, each filled with meaning.
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Among them, on January 16, referencing the 1982 publication of the decree establishing the fifth week of paid leave, a major social achievement, which, according to the movement, has seen no extension for over forty years.
Other dates refer to key moments in social and political history: February 4 to commemorate the abolition of slavery voted in 1794 by the National Convention. Then there’s March 18 in honor of the Paris Commune and the victims of the Bloody Week repression of 1871, or June 26, in memory of the workers killed during the June Days of 1848, a symbol of a dramatic break from the ideal of a social Republic.
In addition, there are broader symbols: August 4 (aAbolition of feudal privileges in 1789), on September 22 (proclamation of the First Republic, marking the end of an old order), and even on July 30, that the movement would like to .
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More rest, but also more social connection
Behind these proposals is the desire to counter misconceptions: no, the French do not work less than their neighbors; quite the opposite. The European Union has an average of 12 public holidays per year, compared to 11 in France. Countries like Cyprus have 15, and Spain or Austria have 13.
Even when including paid leave, France totals 36 days off, which is far behind the 44 in Spain or Malta. In terms of work, a French employee works an average of 1491 hours per year, which is more than in several Northern European countries. And while the weekly average is 37 hours, one in five employees exceeds 48 hours.
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A Political Battle Over a Social Symbol
For the defenders of public holidays, their role goes far beyond just taking a break. These days allow for what social sciences call «side work» (DIY, repairs, maintenance), but they also promote social bonding. For example, the time spent with friends increases by 20 minutes on public holidays. Studies also show their collective impact: in Germany, they facilitate the synchronization of social rhythms, strengthening cohesion.
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And contrary to what some may think, certain sectors benefit greatly from holidays: tourism, hospitality, catering, and retail. In the UK, it is estimated that public holidays provide small businesses with an "average boost" of £253 in profit per day, with sales increases of up to 15% in sectors like DIY, gardening, or furniture.