French stay home
The week's news at a glance.
Paris
More than 60 percent of French workers took Monday off this week in observance of Pentecost, even though the holiday was officially canceled last year. The government abolished the holiday to raise money to care for the elderly. The move was sparked by national embarrassment over the deaths of some 15,000 old people who perished in stifling apartments during the heat wave of 2003. Giving up a three-day weekend, though, is proving difficult. Massive strikes over Pentecost last year prompted the government to offer a compromise, allowing public-sector workers such as teachers and doctors to stay home while asking workers in private companies to come in. French newspapers mocked the plan as “hypocritical” and “dumb.”
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
See the bright lights from these 7 big-city hotels
The Week Recommends Immerse yourself in culture, history and nightlife
-
Scientists want to regrow human limbs. Salamanders could lead the way.
Under the radar Humans may already have the genetic mechanism necessary
-
Seven wild discoveries about animals in 2025
In depth Mice have Good Samaritan tendencies and gulls work in gangs