The government has decided to provide holidays on December 26 and January 2 to employees performing government functions in the state, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a note issued this Thursday.
“Employees performing public functions in direct public administration services, both central and separate, as well as in state institutions, are granted temporary access on December 26, 2023 and January 2, 2024,” the note states.
In the note, António Costa’s office justifies the temporary clearances by saying that “it is traditional for many people to travel outside their place of residence during the Christmas and New Year period for family gatherings.”
With regard to these two days off, it is emphasized that “the exception is services and bodies which, for reasons of public interest, must continue to operate during this period under conditions to be determined by the competent member of the Government.” .