• Annals of France Annals of France In France, where an unprecedented heat wave has killed thousands of people, most of them elderly, the government is promising drastic action to deal with the costs of providing health care to its
• Annals of France
Annals of France
In France, where an unprecedented heat wave has killed thousands of people, most of them elderly, the government is promising drastic action to deal with the costs of providing health care to its aging population. France might become the Grinch who stole Christmas.
The French are faced with a terrible choice: Give up one of their 11 cherished national holidays, or give up the notion that their government can pay for all social needs. Last week, the government floated the idea of sacrificing a holiday and using the additional tax revenue created by a new workday to finance better health care for the aged. Germany did something similar in 1995, when it abolished the November holiday of Penance and Prayer.
A few socialist ministers suggested that a religious holiday, like Christmas, should go instead of a secular holiday. But Transport Secretary Dominique Bussereau, a practical man, said Christmas should be saved “because I want my Christmas presents.”
However the matter is settled, it will amount to a second French revolution. Said Ernest-Antoine Seilliere, president of the nation’s biggest business organization, “The idea that we can solve problems by working more is a big first for our country.”
