The proposal is quite spicy. But the game is worth the candle for the rebels. And for good reason, May 1st, the international workers' day, traditionally 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 this day, in the name of boosting economic activity. This proposed law would affect around 1,400,000 employees, ranging from to florists, including food businesses and cinemas.
A red line for the rebellious elected officials who, like deputy Thomas Portes, denounce a challenge to a major social achievement.
. Their focus: a logic considered productivity-driven, 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 just opposing, La France Insoumise is putting forward a totally unexpected counter-proposal: to enrich the calendar with seven new public holidays, all full of meaning.
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Among them, on January 16, in reference to the 1982 publication of the decree generalizing the fifth week of paid leave, a major social accomplishment, which, according to the movement, has seen no expansion for over forty years.
Other dates point 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 homage to the Paris Commune and the victims of the Bloody Week suppression of 1871, or June 26, in memory of the workers killed during the June Days of 1848, a symbol of a sharp break with the ideal of a social Republic.
Additionally, there are broader symbols: August 4 (a...abolition 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 dedicate to friendship, elevated to a political value in its own right, a vector of solidarity and collective emancipation.
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More Rest, But Also More Social Connection
Behind these proposals is the desire to counter preconceived ideas: 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 adding paid vacation, France totals 36 days of rest, far behind the 44 days in Spain or Malta. On the work side, a French employee works an average of 1491 hours a 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 supporters of holidays, their role goes far beyond just taking a break. These days allow what social sciences call “side work” (DIY, repairs, maintenance), but also strengthening social bonds. For example, the time spent with friends increases by 20 minutes on holidays. Studies also show their collective impact: in Germany, they facilitate the synchronization of social time, strengthening cohesion.
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And contrary to the image that people have of it, some sectors particularly benefit from days off : tourism, hospitality, restaurants, retail. In the UK, it is estimated that public holidays provide small businesses with an average boost of £253 in profits per day, with sales increases of up to 15% in sectors like DIY, gardening, or furniture.
These are all points that can be put forward by the unions, who are set to meet with the Minister of Labor, Jean-Pierre Farandou, this Monday at 6 PM.