A few days ago, Prime Minister François Bayrou suggested eliminating two public holidays to maximize French production. But would this measure actually work? The Spanish example proves otherwise.
Two Targeted Days;
“The entire nation must work harder so that the country as a whole can be more active throughout the year, so that France’s situation improves. I therefore propose that two public holidays be eliminated,” the head of government insisted at a press conference on July 15. He specifically targets May 8 and Easter Monday.
This proposal, which has sparked heated controversy, comes as France’s public deficit continues to widen: the government is seeking to save money by any means necessary. However, tackling public holidays is not necessarily the right solution.
More Public Holidays in Spain;
While France has 11 public holidays annually, there are an average of 14 in Spain, where economic growth is three times higher. On the other side of the Pyrenees, the system differs greatly from that in mainland France, with the number of public holidays varying at the national, regional, and local levels.
Thus, of the 14 public holidays, 8 are common to the entire country, 4 are chosen by each autonomous community based on their traditions, and 2 are established by municipalities for local festivals. This system allows the calendar to be adapted to the cultural specificities of each region, although the exact total number of public holidays may vary slightly depending on where you work. To top it all off, if one of the dates falls on a Sunday, it is replaced by a working day.
Because Spaniards are so attached to their traditions, former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s proposal to abolish a public holiday in 2011, in the midst of the economic crisis, sparked an outcry. It never came to fruition.
A Positive Impact on the Economy;
Ultimately, public holidays can also stimulate the economy, particularly in rural and tourist areas. During long weekends or extended vacations, Spaniards leave major cities to spend elsewhere, which revitalizes the local economy. This shift in consumption helps maintain, or even strengthen, overall economic activity rather than hindering it, economist Juan José Dolado explained to Ouest-France.
Furthermore, public holidays play an important role in worker well-being, which has a positive impact on productivity. For example, they help prevent overwork and improve long-term concentration.
