French government urges bakeries to stay open on May 1 holiday amid far-left protests

The French government has called on bakeries to remain open on May 1, the traditional Labor Day holiday when most businesses close across France. The government also indicated that flower shops could operate on the public holiday. The move has drawn criticism from France's far-left political parties, who view the request as undermining workers' rights on a day historically dedicated to labor solidarity. May 1 is typically observed as a public holiday throughout France, with strict labor laws generally requiring most commercial establishments to close, though essential services like bakeries sometimes receive exemptions.