Le Pen’s National Rally Vows Opposition to Bayrou’s Drastic Austerity Measures

France’s political landscape is heating up as Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, the nation’s most popular political party and a strong contender for the 2027 presidency, signals fierce opposition to the government’s proposed €44 billion budget squeeze.

During a high-stakes press conference, Prime Minister Bayrou unveiled a series of austerity measures aimed at curbing national spending. Key proposals include the elimination of thousands of public service jobs, a significant €5 billion cut to healthcare spending, and a freeze on the salaries of some government employees and welfare payments, including pensions, which typically see annual inflation adjustments.

Perhaps the most contentious idea put forth by Bayrou is the plan to scrap two of France’s 11 public holidays: Easter Monday and Victory in Europe Day on May 8. This move is designed to boost economic output by reducing the number of short workweeks often caused by a cluster of public holidays in late spring. While the government had previously pledged no new taxes, Bayrou announced a new “solidarity contribution” would be levied on high earners. The defense budget, however, will be spared from cuts, with a confirmed increase of €6.5 billion next year.

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