Faced with current budgetary challenges, the government is exploring a new avenue to fill the Social Security deficit: eliminating a public holiday to establish a second “solidarity day”. Explanations.
Deleting a public holiday could generate up to 3.3 billion euros annually. The concept is simple: employees would work one more day without being paid, thus increasing company productivity. In return, employers would pay a contribution equivalent to 0.3% of payroll.
Another additional contribution would be imposed on taxable retirees, also increasing financial solidarity between active people and retirees, as explained The Parisian. This idea is part of a logic of “work more to contribute more”, a mantra often used by the government in recent times. However, despite the expected financial benefits, this measure could lead to complications in its implementation.
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Which holidays are in the spotlight?
As economist Mathieu Plane of the French Observatory of Economic Conditions (OFCE) explains, the choice of which public holiday to sacrifice would play a key role in the economic impact of the reform. “It would not be the same economic effects if it was August 15 or November 11,” notes the economist. The question of choosing which public holiday to eliminate has not yet been decided, but the month of May is at the center of discussions.
This month is often criticized for its numerous bridges and public holidays, which slow down economic activity. Jean-Eudes du Mesnil du Buisson, number 2 of the Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises (CPME), also suggested delete May 8, date of commemoration of the victory of 1945. Such a decision could, however, encounter strong opposition from citizens and veterans' associations, who see it as an essential moment of national memory.
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Lessons from the past: the experience of Pentecost Monday
In 2004, after the heatwave of 2003, the government of Jean-Pierre Raffarin had already established a “day of solidarity” in removing the public holiday from Pentecost Monday to finance the care of the elderly. This first initiative, however, caused an administrative and social cacophony: in the private sector, some worked while others stayed at home. Parents faced childcare complications as schools were closed, creating family and professional tensions.
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Faced with the economic and social repercussions, the government of François Fillon ended up relaxing this measure in 2008, allowing businesses to determine the date of this day of solidarity themselves. Some companies have found alternatives, such as adding an extra minute of work per day to avoid making employees work an extra day, while small and medium-sized businesses have had to put up with an extra day of work. So, will another public holiday be abolished soon? To be continued…
Passionate about women's news, Agathe has been deciphering the latest trends for aufeminin since 2022. Her favorite areas? Psychology, nutrition and well-being advice, without forgetting the tips…
