politics
French Government Supports Bill to Let Bakeries Open on May 1
French bakeries sold baguettes and croissants on May 1, 2026, backed by the government amid union opposition. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu visited a bakery to promote a bill exempting such shops from mandatory closures. The move follows past acquittals of bakers who opened on the holiday.
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French bakeries sold crusty baguettes and flaky croissants on May 1, 2026, with government backing, defying labor unions that argued the day should remain a sacred period of compulsory rest. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu visited a bakery in Saint-Julien-Chapteuil, south-central France, on May 1, 2026, where he ordered several baguettes in front of cameras. "Let's have several...
At least four," Lecornu said, as he sought to promote a new bill to exempt independent bakeries and flower shops from mandatory rest on May 1. The cabinet put forward the bill on Wednesday in 2026 to allow bakeries and florists to open on May 1, requiring employees to volunteer in writing and be paid double wages.
The government encouraged bakers to work on May 1 earlier this week in 2026, stating they were indispensable to the continuity of social life.
It also stated florists should open on May 1 to sell lily of the valley, traditionally sold on Labor Day in France. Under French law, May 1 is a public holiday and a non-working day. Essential services such as hospitals and hotels can remain open on May 1 but must pay staff double wages under French law.
Police reported 158,000 people joined May Day activities across France on May 1, 2026. The interior ministry reported 15 people were arrested on May 1, 2026. The CGT union reported 300,000 people took part in May Day activities on May 1, 2026.
Labor inspectors reported five bakers to authorities for operating on May 1, 2024. The five bakers reported in 2024 were hauled before a court. The five bakers reported in 2024 were all acquitted last year.
