"If eliminating them can bring in some money, why not," reacts retiree Christine Forissier, the day after French Prime Minister François Bayrou proposed cutting two public holidays as part of the 2026 budget plan to reduce public spending. "I believe there are potentially other, better options, perhaps reducing expenditure, specifically state spending," counters auditor Jean-Emile Randrianariso, adding: "If this goes ahead, we're heading for a clash." IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES