French government ministers have been urged to stay in France for their summer break and to limit its duration.
Officials are having to deal with security concerns in the wake of terrorist attacks, a national state of emergency, stagnation of the economy, and plummeted popularity ratings. Presidential and parliamentary elections loom.
President François Hollande again has exhorted ministers this summer to enjoy a staycation limited to two weeks.
To ensure that the government is seen to be working during the traditional August holiday, he has scheduled weekly security meetings throughout the month.
Prime Minister Valls said he would commute from Paris on a short holiday in Provence. Interior Minister Cazeneuve plans to take “a day or two” at his house north of Paris.
Defence Minister Le Drian has jettisoned plans to holiday in Spain while Foreign Affairs Minister Ayrault will use his short break in Vaucluse to visit three prisons.
The rest of the government, despite not being required to attend the sessions, appears to be heading out for only the most modest holidays.
