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France Public Holidays Cancellation Would Only Apply To National Public Holidays Le Monde (Paris) The French Renaissance MP, Brigitte Klinkert, has announced that the current plan to cancel 2 annual public holidays would only apply to national public holidays and that the public holidays specific to the Alsace-Moselle (Good Friday and Boxing Day) would remain ("seuls les jours fériés nationaux étaient concernés"). Recall that, last month, at a news conference to present his public finance recovery plan for 2026, France's Prime Minister, François Bayrou, suggested cancelling the Easter Monday and May 8 annual public holidays of France, mentioning these 2 holidays as examples, but arguing that the Monday after Easter has no religious significance, and that May 8 is in the middle of the month of May which is already a Swiss Cheese due to many other nearby public holidays. Last October, the short-lived Barnier government had similarly considered the conversion of another of France's annual public holidays into a solidarity working holiday. In 2004, following the 2003 summer heat wave, the French government had converted the Whitmonday public holiday into a working public holiday, to bring in more tax revenues to pay for better healthcare for the elderly and disabled. However, this was a major political miscalculation, and the Whitmonday public holiday was restored in 2007. In 2011 and 2019, the French government was reportedly considering the conversion of another public holiday into a working public holiday to finance long-term dependency of the elderly population, but nothing came of it. Then, earlier this month, the French government issued a guidance document addressed to social partners confirming that it wished to include in the draft finance law for 2026 a measure to remove the public holiday status of two days, Easter Monday and May 8, for employees in both the private and public sectors, adding that the choice of the two days concerned can still be "discussed", but that negotiations over the cancellation of 2 public holidays will need to be concluded by September 30 at the latest.
France Public Holidays Cancellation Would Only Apply To National Public Holidays Le Monde (Paris) The French Renaissance MP, Brigitte Klinkert, has announced that the current plan to cancel 2 annual public holidays would only apply to national public holidays and that the public holidays specific to the Alsace-Moselle (Good Friday and Boxing Day) would remain ("seuls les jours fériés nationaux étaient concernés"). Recall that, last month, at a news conference to present his public finance recovery plan for 2026, France's Prime Minister, François Bayrou, suggested cancelling the Easter Monday and May 8 annual public holidays of France, mentioning these 2 holidays as examples, but arguing that the Monday after Easter has no religious significance, and that May 8 is in the middle of the month of May which is already a Swiss Cheese due to many other nearby public holidays. Last October, the short-lived Barnier government had similarly considered the conversion of another of France's annual public holidays into a solidarity working holiday. In 2004, following the 2003 summer heat wave, the French government had converted the Whitmonday public holiday into a working public holiday, to bring in more tax revenues to pay for better healthcare for the elderly and disabled. However, this was a major political miscalculation, and the Whitmonday public holiday was restored in 2007. In 2011 and 2019, the French government was reportedly considering the conversion of another public holiday into a working public holiday to finance long-term dependency of the elderly population, but nothing came of it. Then, earlier this month, the French government issued a guidance document addressed to social partners confirming that it wished to include in the draft finance law for 2026 a measure to remove the public holiday status of two days, Easter Monday and May 8, for employees in both the private and public sectors, adding that the choice of the two days concerned can still be "discussed", but that negotiations over the cancellation of 2 public holidays will need to be concluded by September 30 at the latest.
Guinea Conakry Declares August 15 Public Holiday Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de la République de Guinée (Conakry) Guinea Conakry's Ministre du Travail et de la Fonction Publique, Faya François Bourouno, has announced that, as per the decree D/ 2022/ 0526/ PRG/ CNRD/ SGG of November 2, 2022, revamping the list of annual public holidays in Guinea Conakry, as had been established in the decree D/250/PRG/SGG of August 1st, 1995, Friday, August 15, 2025, would be a public holiday. As per the aforementioned Communique 000009/MTFP/ SG/DGFP/ SP/2025, "Conformément aux dispositions du Décret D/2022/0526/PRG/CNRD/ SGG du 02 novembre 2022, modifiant le Décret D/250/PRG/SGG du 1er août 1995 concernant les fêtes légales en République de Guinée, le Ministre du Travail et de la Fonction Publique porte à la connaissance des Travailleuses, Travailleurs et Agents des secteurs public, mixte et privé que la journée du vendredi 15 août 2025, Assomption, est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l’étendue du Territoire National.".
Guinea Conakry Declares August 15 Public Holiday Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de la République de Guinée (Conakry) Guinea Conakry's Ministre du Travail et de la Fonction Publique, Faya François Bourouno, has announced that, as per the decree D/ 2022/ 0526/ PRG/ CNRD/ SGG of November 2, 2022, revamping the list of annual public holidays in Guinea Conakry, as had been established in the decree D/250/PRG/SGG of August 1st, 1995, Friday, August 15, 2025, would be a public holiday. As per the aforementioned Communique 000009/MTFP/ SG/DGFP/ SP/2025, "Conformément aux dispositions du Décret D/2022/0526/PRG/CNRD/ SGG du 02 novembre 2022, modifiant le Décret D/250/PRG/SGG du 1er août 1995 concernant les fêtes légales en République de Guinée, le Ministre du Travail et de la Fonction Publique porte à la connaissance des Travailleuses, Travailleurs et Agents des secteurs public, mixte et privé que la journée du vendredi 15 août 2025, Assomption, est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l’étendue du Territoire National.".
Gambia Declares August 15 Public Holiday For Assumption Office of The President, State House (Banjul) The President of the Gambia, Adama Barrow, acting under Section 76 (1) of the Constitution (1997) of the Republic of The Gambia, has declared a public holiday for Friday, August 15, 2025, on account of the Assumption of Mary (Sang Marie).
Gambia Declares August 15 Public Holiday For Assumption Office of The President, State House (Banjul) The President of the Gambia, Adama Barrow, acting under Section 76 (1) of the Constitution (1997) of the Republic of The Gambia, has declared a public holiday for Friday, August 15, 2025, on account of the Assumption of Mary (Sang Marie).
Philippines President Signs Barangay Elections Postponement Legislation Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) Philippines President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has signed the Republic Act No. 12232 which re schedules the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) scheduled for December 1st, 2025, to November 2, 2026. Recall that, earlier this last, the Philippines Commission on Elections (Comelec) had announced that it continued to prepare for the December 1st, 2025, polls while waiting for the signature of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to the aforementioned bill. Normally, the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections should occur every 3 years, and have usually been accompanied by the declaration of a one-off public holiday. However, over the past decade, these elections have often been rescheduled. The 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were supposed to be held in late 2016, but were twice postponed, once to 2017 and a second time to 2018. Then in September 2019, three panels of the Philippines Senate approved moving the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections from May 2020 to May 2023. Eventually, the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were held on October 30, 2023.
Philippines President Signs Barangay Elections Postponement Legislation Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) Philippines President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has signed the Republic Act No. 12232 which re schedules the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) scheduled for December 1st, 2025, to November 2, 2026. Recall that, earlier this last, the Philippines Commission on Elections (Comelec) had announced that it continued to prepare for the December 1st, 2025, polls while waiting for the signature of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to the aforementioned bill. Normally, the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections should occur every 3 years, and have usually been accompanied by the declaration of a one-off public holiday. However, over the past decade, these elections have often been rescheduled. The 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were supposed to be held in late 2016, but were twice postponed, once to 2017 and a second time to 2018. Then in September 2019, three panels of the Philippines Senate approved moving the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections from May 2020 to May 2023. Eventually, the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were held on October 30, 2023.
Timor Leste Declares FALINTIL 50th Anniversary Public Holidays Press Release Government Of Timor-Leste (Dili) The government of Timor Leste has issued 3 press releases declaring additional day-off public sector holidays on account of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the National Liberation Armed Forces of Timor-Leste (FALINTIL). As per the aforementioned Day Off on August 20, 2025, on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Liberation Armed Forces of Timor-Leste (FALINTIL) communique, "A day off is granted on August 20th, 2025, for the entire day, in the Municipality of Dili". The 2 other communiqués bear the self-explanatory titles Day Off on August 18th, 2025, on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Liberation Armed Forces of Timor-Leste (FALINTIL), in the municipalities of Lautém, Baucau, Viqueque, Manatuto, Manufahi, and Liquiçá and Day Off on August 19th, 2025, on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Liberation Armed Forces of Timor-Leste (FALINTIL), in the municipalities of Aileu, Ainaro, Covalima, Bobonaro, and Ermera, in the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno, and on the island of Ataúro. The aforementioned announcement justifies the declaration of public sector holidays, as "under Article 5 (1) (c) of Law No. 10/2025 of August 10th, as amended by Laws No. 3/2016 of May 25th, and No. 10/2023 of April 5th, “August 20th, as the Day of National Liberation Armed Forces of Timor-Leste (FALINTIL)” is an official commemoration date" and "Taking into consideration that on August 20th 2025, the Timorese will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Liberation Armed Forces of Timor-Leste (FALINTIL), providing an opportunity to pay tribute and express gratitude to all combatants, especially the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to achieve freedom and national Independence". The aforementioned law No.10/2005, referred to above by the Secretariat of State of the Council of Ministers, overhauled Timor Leste's public holidays in 2005 and is in addition to the list of official Timor Leste public holidays for the calendar year 2025, as announced at the beginning of this year. The anniversary of the FALINTIL has often been declared a one-off public sector holiday, as was the case in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2010, but this is the first time that the celebrations are split regionally over 3 days.
Timor Leste Declares FALINTIL 50th Anniversary Public Holidays Press Release Government Of Timor-Leste (Dili) The government of Timor Leste has issued 3 press releases declaring additional day-off public sector holidays on account of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the National Liberation Armed Forces of Timor-Leste (FALINTIL). As per the aforementioned Day Off on August 20, 2025, on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Liberation Armed Forces of Timor-Leste (FALINTIL) communique, "A day off is granted on August 20th, 2025, for the entire day, in the Municipality of Dili". The 2 other communiqués bear the self-explanatory titles Day Off on August 18th, 2025, on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Liberation Armed Forces of Timor-Leste (FALINTIL), in the municipalities of Lautém, Baucau, Viqueque, Manatuto, Manufahi, and Liquiçá and Day Off on August 19th, 2025, on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National Liberation Armed Forces of Timor-Leste (FALINTIL), in the municipalities of Aileu, Ainaro, Covalima, Bobonaro, and Ermera, in the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno, and on the island of Ataúro. The aforementioned announcement justifies the declaration of public sector holidays, as "under Article 5 (1) (c) of Law No. 10/2025 of August 10th, as amended by Laws No. 3/2016 of May 25th, and No. 10/2023 of April 5th, “August 20th, as the Day of National Liberation Armed Forces of Timor-Leste (FALINTIL)” is an official commemoration date" and "Taking into consideration that on August 20th 2025, the Timorese will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Liberation Armed Forces of Timor-Leste (FALINTIL), providing an opportunity to pay tribute and express gratitude to all combatants, especially the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to achieve freedom and national Independence". The aforementioned law No.10/2005, referred to above by the Secretariat of State of the Council of Ministers, overhauled Timor Leste's public holidays in 2005 and is in addition to the list of official Timor Leste public holidays for the calendar year 2025, as announced at the beginning of this year. The anniversary of the FALINTIL has often been declared a one-off public sector holiday, as was the case in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2010, but this is the first time that the celebrations are split regionally over 3 days.
Dominican Republic Maintains Restoration Day Public Holiday On Saturday Ministerio de Trabajo República Dominicana (Santo Domingo) The Ministry of Labour of the Dominican Republic has issued a communiqué confirming that, as per the current public holidays legislation of the Dominican Republic, Saturday, August 16 , 2025, would be an official non-working public holiday in the Dominican Republic on account of the upcoming Día de la Restauración annual public holiday while pointing out that "the public and private sectors must return to their daily work on Sunday the 17th of the same month, except for workers who rest on Sundays, who will return on Monday the 18th , as established by Law No. 139-97 , in accordance with the application of public holidays". The aforementioned communique refers to the 1997 Ley No. 139-97 mediante la cual los días feriados del calendario que coincidan con los días martes y miércoles, jueves o viernes serán trasladados de fecha whose Articles 1-2-4 used to move the August 16 public holiday depending on the weekday on which it fell. But this was declared unconstitutional by the Dominican Republic's Supreme Court, in 2008 (the change in calculation rule took place immediately, but as August 16 fell on a Saturday, Sunday, Monday in 2008, 2009, and 2010, the ruling began to have a concrete effect, for the first time three years later). Currently, after many court rulings and legislative initiatives, most of the contents of the Ley No. 139-97 have been removed and its scope does not cover the following public holidays; January 1st, January 21, February 27, August 16, September 24, and December 25.
Dominican Republic Maintains Restoration Day Public Holiday On Saturday Ministerio de Trabajo República Dominicana (Santo Domingo) The Ministry of Labour of the Dominican Republic has issued a communiqué confirming that, as per the current public holidays legislation of the Dominican Republic, Saturday, August 16 , 2025, would be an official non-working public holiday in the Dominican Republic on account of the upcoming Día de la Restauración annual public holiday while pointing out that "the public and private sectors must return to their daily work on Sunday the 17th of the same month, except for workers who rest on Sundays, who will return on Monday the 18th , as established by Law No. 139-97 , in accordance with the application of public holidays". The aforementioned communique refers to the 1997 Ley No. 139-97 mediante la cual los días feriados del calendario que coincidan con los días martes y miércoles, jueves o viernes serán trasladados de fecha whose Articles 1-2-4 used to move the August 16 public holiday depending on the weekday on which it fell. But this was declared unconstitutional by the Dominican Republic's Supreme Court, in 2008 (the change in calculation rule took place immediately, but as August 16 fell on a Saturday, Sunday, Monday in 2008, 2009, and 2010, the ruling began to have a concrete effect, for the first time three years later). Currently, after many court rulings and legislative initiatives, most of the contents of the Ley No. 139-97 have been removed and its scope does not cover the following public holidays; January 1st, January 21, February 27, August 16, September 24, and December 25.
Kuwait Prophet's Birthday Public Holiday September 4 Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Cabinet, in its weekly meeting on Tuesday, has declared Thursday, September 4, 2025, a public holiday in Kuwait on the occasion of Prophet Muhammad's birthday. As per the aforementioned announcement, "all government offices and institutions will suspend work on this day. Institutions with work of a special nature will decide their own holiday accordingly, taking public interest into account." and adding that "Work will resume on Sunday, September 7". Recall that, as per a Kuwaiti Cabinet administrative decision of June 2007, Kuwaiti weekends were changed from Thursday and Friday to Friday and Saturday, beginning on September 1st, 2007.
Kuwait Prophet's Birthday Public Holiday September 4 Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Cabinet, in its weekly meeting on Tuesday, has declared Thursday, September 4, 2025, a public holiday in Kuwait on the occasion of Prophet Muhammad's birthday. As per the aforementioned announcement, "all government offices and institutions will suspend work on this day. Institutions with work of a special nature will decide their own holiday accordingly, taking public interest into account." and adding that "Work will resume on Sunday, September 7". Recall that, as per a Kuwaiti Cabinet administrative decision of June 2007, Kuwaiti weekends were changed from Thursday and Friday to Friday and Saturday, beginning on September 1st, 2007.
Malaysia Releases 2026 Public Holidays Laman Web Rasmi Bahagian Kabinet Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Kuala Lumpur) Malaysia's Cabinet's and the Constitution and Government Relations Department of the Prime Minister's Office have jointly issued the annual official Federal Public Holidays Schedule 2026 (Jadual Hari Kelepasan Am Persekutuan 2026) and State Public Holiday Schedule 2026 (Jadual Hari Kelepasan Am Negeri 2026) containing the list of official national non-working public holidays in Malaysia for the calendar year 2026 as well as the state-specific regional non-working public holidays in Malaysia for the calendar year 2026. Note that the date of the 2026 Muslim public holidays in Malaysia could already be ascertained from last December's release by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia, aka. JAKIM) of its annual Islamic calendar for the for the western years 2026 and 2027 corresponding to 1447-1448 and 1448-1449 AH (Tarikh Penting Dalam Islam Tahun 2026 and Tarikh Penting Dalam Islam Tahun 2027).
Malaysia Releases 2026 Public Holidays Laman Web Rasmi Bahagian Kabinet Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Kuala Lumpur) Malaysia's Cabinet's and the Constitution and Government Relations Department of the Prime Minister's Office have jointly issued the annual official Federal Public Holidays Schedule 2026 (Jadual Hari Kelepasan Am Persekutuan 2026) and State Public Holiday Schedule 2026 (Jadual Hari Kelepasan Am Negeri 2026) containing the list of official national non-working public holidays in Malaysia for the calendar year 2026 as well as the state-specific regional non-working public holidays in Malaysia for the calendar year 2026. Note that the date of the 2026 Muslim public holidays in Malaysia could already be ascertained from last December's release by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia, aka. JAKIM) of its annual Islamic calendar for the for the western years 2026 and 2027 corresponding to 1447-1448 and 1448-1449 AH (Tarikh Penting Dalam Islam Tahun 2026 and Tarikh Penting Dalam Islam Tahun 2027).
Islamabad Public Holiday August 13 Pakistan's Ministry of Interior (Islamabad) The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has declared a public holiday on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, ahead of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. As per the aforementioned announcement, "It is notified that August 13, 2025 (Wednesday), is hereby observed as Local Holiday within the revenue limits of the Islamabad Capital Territory except the offices of essential services in Islamabad including MCI, CDA, ICT Administration, ICT Police, IESCO, SNGPL and Hospitals".
Islamabad Public Holiday August 13 Pakistan's Ministry of Interior (Islamabad) The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has declared a public holiday on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, ahead of the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. As per the aforementioned announcement, "It is notified that August 13, 2025 (Wednesday), is hereby observed as Local Holiday within the revenue limits of the Islamabad Capital Territory except the offices of essential services in Islamabad including MCI, CDA, ICT Administration, ICT Police, IESCO, SNGPL and Hospitals".
Venezuelan Assumption Bank Holiday August 18 Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario (Sudeban) The Venezuelan regulatory body for the banking sector, Sudeban (Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario) has announced that Monday, August 18, 2025, would be a bank holiday in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Assumption of Our Lady, usually observed annually on August 15, and in line with the official list of 2025 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced last November by the Sudeban, in conformity with the Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario.
Venezuelan Assumption Bank Holiday August 18 Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario (Sudeban) The Venezuelan regulatory body for the banking sector, Sudeban (Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario) has announced that Monday, August 18, 2025, would be a bank holiday in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Assumption of Our Lady, usually observed annually on August 15, and in line with the official list of 2025 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced last November by the Sudeban, in conformity with the Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario.
Benin Declares August 15 Assumption Public Holiday Site officiel du gouvernement du Bénin (Cotonou) Benin's Minister of Labour and Social Security, Adidjatou A. Mathys, has issued the communique No.023/MTFP/DC/SGM/DGT/SA announcing that the government of Bénin had declared Friday, August 15, 2025, as a paid public holiday throughout the Bénin on account of the Assumption. As per the aforementioned communique, signed by her Cabinet Director, Victorin Honvoh, "Le Ministre du Travail et de la Fonction Publique rappelle que conformément aux dispositions de la loi n° 90-019 du 27 juillet 1990 fixant les fêtes légales en République du Bénin, la journée du vendredi 15 août 2025, Jour de l'Assomption, est fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l'étendue du territoire national.". Recall that, in 2024, Minister Mathys had similarly issued the communique No.015/MTFP/DC/SGM/DGT/SA announcing that the government of Bénin had declared Thursday, August 15, 2024, as a paid public holiday throughout the Bénin on account of the then upcoming Assumption.
Benin Declares August 15 Assumption Public Holiday Site officiel du gouvernement du Bénin (Cotonou) Benin's Minister of Labour and Social Security, Adidjatou A. Mathys, has issued the communique No.023/MTFP/DC/SGM/DGT/SA announcing that the government of Bénin had declared Friday, August 15, 2025, as a paid public holiday throughout the Bénin on account of the Assumption. As per the aforementioned communique, signed by her Cabinet Director, Victorin Honvoh, "Le Ministre du Travail et de la Fonction Publique rappelle que conformément aux dispositions de la loi n° 90-019 du 27 juillet 1990 fixant les fêtes légales en République du Bénin, la journée du vendredi 15 août 2025, Jour de l'Assomption, est fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l'étendue du territoire national.". Recall that, in 2024, Minister Mathys had similarly issued the communique No.015/MTFP/DC/SGM/DGT/SA announcing that the government of Bénin had declared Thursday, August 15, 2024, as a paid public holiday throughout the Bénin on account of the then upcoming Assumption.
Iraq Moves Arbaeen Public Holiday Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) The Iraqi Council of Ministers has declared Thursday, August 14, 2025, as a public holiday for all ministries and government institutions in to commemorate the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein. Note that the governorates of Wasit, Muthanna, Basra, and Diwaniyah have announced the suspension of official working hours for three days starting Tuesday, August 12, 2025, while the Najaf Provincial Council has announced a weeklong public holiday. In last November's list of non-working public holidays in Iraq for the calendar year 2025 (عطل البنك المركزي العراقي لعام 2025 إضافة إلى أيام الجمع والسبت), the Central Bank of Iraq had listed a bank holiday marking the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein on August 15, 2025.
Iraq Moves Arbaeen Public Holiday Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) The Iraqi Council of Ministers has declared Thursday, August 14, 2025, as a public holiday for all ministries and government institutions in to commemorate the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein. Note that the governorates of Wasit, Muthanna, Basra, and Diwaniyah have announced the suspension of official working hours for three days starting Tuesday, August 12, 2025, while the Najaf Provincial Council has announced a weeklong public holiday. In last November's list of non-working public holidays in Iraq for the calendar year 2025 (عطل البنك المركزي العراقي لعام 2025 إضافة إلى أيام الجمع والسبت), the Central Bank of Iraq had listed a bank holiday marking the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein on August 15, 2025.
Pakistan Declares August 14 Bank Holiday The State Bank of Pakistan (Karachi) The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a BPRD Circular Letter announcing that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), allied offices and public and private sector financial institutions "will remain closed for public dealings on Thursday, August 14, 2025, on the occasion of Independence Day, which shall be observed as a bank holiday.". Today's announcement by the State Bank of Pakistan, of a bank holiday on Thursday, August 14, 2025, is in line with the list of 2025 public holidays in Pakistan, as announced in the Public and Optional Holidays for the calendar year 2025 published by the Government of Pakistan late last December.
Pakistan Declares August 14 Bank Holiday The State Bank of Pakistan (Karachi) The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a BPRD Circular Letter announcing that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), allied offices and public and private sector financial institutions "will remain closed for public dealings on Thursday, August 14, 2025, on the occasion of Independence Day, which shall be observed as a bank holiday.". Today's announcement by the State Bank of Pakistan, of a bank holiday on Thursday, August 14, 2025, is in line with the list of 2025 public holidays in Pakistan, as announced in the Public and Optional Holidays for the calendar year 2025 published by the Government of Pakistan late last December.
France Public Holidays Cancellation Update Le Monde (Paris) Over the weekend, the French government has issued a guidance document addressed to social partners confirming that it wishes to include in the draft finance law for 2026 a measure to remove the public holiday status of two days, Easter Monday and May 8, for employees in both the private and public sectors, adding that the choice of the two days concerned can still be "discussed", but that negotiations over the cancellation of 2 public holidays will need to be concluded by September 30 at the latest. Surprisingly, an Ifop poll has 77% of French people against the cancellation of 2 public holidays (the surprise being that 23% are not against it). Recall that, last month, at a news conference to present his public finance recovery plan for 2026, France's Prime Minister, François Bayrou, suggested cancelling the Easter Monday and May 8 annual public holidays of France, mentioning these 2 holidays as examples, but arguing that the Monday after Easter has no religious significance, and that May 8 is in the middle of the month of May which is already a Swiss Cheese due to many other nearby public holidays. Last October, the short-lived Barnier government had similarly considered the conversion of another of France's annual public holidays into a solidarity working holiday. In 2004, following the 2003 summer heat wave, the French government had converted the Whitmonday public holiday into a working public holiday, to bring in more tax revenues to pay for better healthcare for the elderly and disabled. However, this was a major political miscalculation, and the Whitmonday public holiday was restored in 2007. In 2011 and 2019, the French government was reportedly considering the conversion of another public holiday into a working public holiday to finance long-term dependency of the elderly population, but nothing came of it.
France Public Holidays Cancellation Update Le Monde (Paris) Over the weekend, the French government has issued a guidance document addressed to social partners confirming that it wishes to include in the draft finance law for 2026 a measure to remove the public holiday status of two days, Easter Monday and May 8, for employees in both the private and public sectors, adding that the choice of the two days concerned can still be "discussed", but that negotiations over the cancellation of 2 public holidays will need to be concluded by September 30 at the latest. Surprisingly, an Ifop poll has 77% of French people against the cancellation of 2 public holidays (the surprise being that 23% are not against it). Recall that, last month, at a news conference to present his public finance recovery plan for 2026, France's Prime Minister, François Bayrou, suggested cancelling the Easter Monday and May 8 annual public holidays of France, mentioning these 2 holidays as examples, but arguing that the Monday after Easter has no religious significance, and that May 8 is in the middle of the month of May which is already a Swiss Cheese due to many other nearby public holidays. Last October, the short-lived Barnier government had similarly considered the conversion of another of France's annual public holidays into a solidarity working holiday. In 2004, following the 2003 summer heat wave, the French government had converted the Whitmonday public holiday into a working public holiday, to bring in more tax revenues to pay for better healthcare for the elderly and disabled. However, this was a major political miscalculation, and the Whitmonday public holiday was restored in 2007. In 2011 and 2019, the French government was reportedly considering the conversion of another public holiday into a working public holiday to finance long-term dependency of the elderly population, but nothing came of it.
Liberia Declares August 12 By-Election Public Holiday Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Monrovia) The President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., has issued a Proclamation declaring Tuesday, August 12, 2025, as By-Election Day, and is to be observed as a National Holiday only in Electoral District #5, Nimba County. Recall that, in April 2024, President Boakai had similarly issued a Proclamation declaring Tuesday, April 23, 2024, as a public holiday "to be observed as a National Holiday only in Nimba County and Electoral District #1, Grand Gedeh County, which are to hold the By-Elections" and directing "government offices, business houses, private and public institutions of learning and marketplaces in the affected locations to be closed on that day from six o’ clock ante meridian to six o’ clock post meridian".
Liberia Declares August 12 By-Election Public Holiday Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Monrovia) The President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., has issued a Proclamation declaring Tuesday, August 12, 2025, as By-Election Day, and is to be observed as a National Holiday only in Electoral District #5, Nimba County. Recall that, in April 2024, President Boakai had similarly issued a Proclamation declaring Tuesday, April 23, 2024, as a public holiday "to be observed as a National Holiday only in Nimba County and Electoral District #1, Grand Gedeh County, which are to hold the By-Elections" and directing "government offices, business houses, private and public institutions of learning and marketplaces in the affected locations to be closed on that day from six o’ clock ante meridian to six o’ clock post meridian".
Western Australia Public Holidays Review Feedback Western Australia Department of Labour Relations and Commerce (Perth) The deadline for feedback on the public consultation on the Government of the State of Western Australia's announced goal of reforming the State’s public holiday schedule, was last night at 5:00pm (AWST). As per the WA Government, almost 10,000 submissions were received from community members, businesses and peak bodies about WA public holidays, and preliminary analysis of submissions indicates strong support for changes to WA's public holidays. However, "Recognising the need for community, business, and organisational planning, any changes are not proposed to take effect until 2027 or 2028". Of note is feedback from Tourism Council WA which made a submission to the WA Public Holiday Review based on a recent survey of WA tourism operators including regional and metropolitan accommodation, event, venue, retail and hospitality businesses. That survey seems to have been focused on one of the reform's proposals, namely including Easter Saturday as a public holiday, and the results are that 76 per cent of respondents would be forced to increase rates to cover the inflated costs of operating if Easter Saturday became a public holiday, or would close their business during the Easter long weekend to avoid the penalties. Summarizing Tourism Council WA's position, its CEO, Evan Hall, stated that "a Saturday public holiday did not provide additional time off for most Western Australians who did not usually work on Saturday but would raise prices for families" and that "A public holiday on Easter Saturday would not increase tourism, as WA families are already traveling for the school holidays and tourism businesses and regions are at capacity during this time". As per the WA Government website presenting the aforementioned public consultation, "The WA Government is inviting feedback on the potential opportunities and considerations related to reforming the State’s public holiday schedule." and it specifies that "The existing State public holidays that are under consideration for change are the King’s Birthday, Labour Day and WA Day." all the while stressing that "National holidays, such as Anzac Day, Australia Day, Christmas and Boxing Day are not in scope of this process.". Public feedback was sought before 5:00pm (AWST), Friday 8 August 2025, on 3 aspects; • Moving existing public holidays to align with other jurisdictions, • Moving WA Day to avoid the winter season, and • The addition of (a) new public holiday(s). Originally called Foundation Day until 2011, WA Day is observed on the first Monday of winter, and for the past few years, that date has seen heavy rains. In November 2024, the Premier of the State of Western Australia, Roger Cook, had already indicated that he was open to the idea of moving the Western Australia Day public holiday closer to summer, stating that "I think it makes sense to explore how we might better align the date of the WA Day public holiday, particularly to coincide with our warmer months around summer", and adding that "I am open to reviewing the date of the public holiday in the future, as part of broader reforms that look at maximizing any economic benefits". Then, early last June, Premier Cook, indicated that WA's public holidays could soon be realigned with those observed on the east coast, potentially as early as next year, and that that review may also introduce an additional public holiday. Already mentioned at the time as being on the shortlist for date changes were: WA Day, the King's Birthday, and Labour Day.
Western Australia Public Holidays Review Feedback Western Australia Department of Labour Relations and Commerce (Perth) The deadline for feedback on the public consultation on the Government of the State of Western Australia's announced goal of reforming the State’s public holiday schedule, was last night at 5:00pm (AWST). As per the WA Government, almost 10,000 submissions were received from community members, businesses and peak bodies about WA public holidays, and preliminary analysis of submissions indicates strong support for changes to WA's public holidays. However, "Recognising the need for community, business, and organisational planning, any changes are not proposed to take effect until 2027 or 2028". Of note is feedback from Tourism Council WA which made a submission to the WA Public Holiday Review based on a recent survey of WA tourism operators including regional and metropolitan accommodation, event, venue, retail and hospitality businesses. That survey seems to have been focused on one of the reform's proposals, namely including Easter Saturday as a public holiday, and the results are that 76 per cent of respondents would be forced to increase rates to cover the inflated costs of operating if Easter Saturday became a public holiday, or would close their business during the Easter long weekend to avoid the penalties. Summarizing Tourism Council WA's position, its CEO, Evan Hall, stated that "a Saturday public holiday did not provide additional time off for most Western Australians who did not usually work on Saturday but would raise prices for families" and that "A public holiday on Easter Saturday would not increase tourism, as WA families are already traveling for the school holidays and tourism businesses and regions are at capacity during this time". As per the WA Government website presenting the aforementioned public consultation, "The WA Government is inviting feedback on the potential opportunities and considerations related to reforming the State’s public holiday schedule." and it specifies that "The existing State public holidays that are under consideration for change are the King’s Birthday, Labour Day and WA Day." all the while stressing that "National holidays, such as Anzac Day, Australia Day, Christmas and Boxing Day are not in scope of this process.". Public feedback was sought before 5:00pm (AWST), Friday 8 August 2025, on 3 aspects; • Moving existing public holidays to align with other jurisdictions, • Moving WA Day to avoid the winter season, and • The addition of (a) new public holiday(s). Originally called Foundation Day until 2011, WA Day is observed on the first Monday of winter, and for the past few years, that date has seen heavy rains. In November 2024, the Premier of the State of Western Australia, Roger Cook, had already indicated that he was open to the idea of moving the Western Australia Day public holiday closer to summer, stating that "I think it makes sense to explore how we might better align the date of the WA Day public holiday, particularly to coincide with our warmer months around summer", and adding that "I am open to reviewing the date of the public holiday in the future, as part of broader reforms that look at maximizing any economic benefits". Then, early last June, Premier Cook, indicated that WA's public holidays could soon be realigned with those observed on the east coast, potentially as early as next year, and that that review may also introduce an additional public holiday. Already mentioned at the time as being on the shortlist for date changes were: WA Day, the King's Birthday, and Labour Day.
