Ouagadougou: The government of Burkina Faso has raised concerns about the financial impact of public holidays, estimating a potential revenue shortfall of over 67 billion FCFA by 2025, as discussed in the recent Council of Ministers meeting. The session was presided over by President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, and focused on the implications of public holidays on the nation’s economy.

According to Burkina Information Agency, during the meeting, a bill was adopted to establish paid holidays and days for remembrance and reflection. Minister of Civil Service, Labour and Social Protection, Mathias Traore, highlighted that the annual working days required from public agents amount to 214 days, which is only 58.63% of the calendar year, due to the occurrence of legal holidays and weekends.

A study conducted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance further elaborated on the economic impact, revealing that the lost working time due to these holidays could lead to a deficit exceeding 67.5 billion FCFA in the state’s annual budget by 2025. Minister Mathias Traore emphasized that the adoption of the bill aims to adjust working hours in public and private sectors to align with the reforms that support the President’s vision for the country.