Increase in holidays in Peru raises concerns about economic impact and productivity.

The recent increase in holidays in Peru has sparked intense debate about its economic implications. While holidays serve the noble purpose of commemorating significant moments in national history and providing workers with a well-deserved additional rest, the growing accumulation of these dates seems to jeopardize the economic stability of the country. In a context where the Peruvian economy already faces structural challenges, the decision by Congress to increase holidays could prove counterproductive. In recent years, the legislature has added four new mandatory holidays, representing a notable increase in the rest burden for workers in both the public and private sectors. With the inclusion of dates such as Air Force Day and Flag Day, the total number of days off has risen, leading to a total of 46 days that employers must manage without receiving work in return. This reality leaves Peru at a disadvantage compared to other countries in the region, where the holiday burden is usually lower. The cost of this measure is significant. We are talking about a potential loss of 0.7 percentage points in monthly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, which translates into a considerable annual reduction that could exceed S/2 billion. These figures are alarming, especially for a country that already grapples with labor informality affecting seven out of ten workers. For small formal businesses, this burden can be devastating, pushing them into an unsustainable situation where they must pay for unworked days. The impact is not limited solely to formal businesses. Informal workers, who are outside the payroll system, also suffer the consequences of this scenario. The difficulty in accessing formal employment intensifies as labor costs soar, deterring those who might be considering making the leap to formal employment. This perpetuates a cycle of informality that, in turn, limits long-term economic growth. It is crucial to also consider how the disruption of activities due to holidays affects the overall productivity of the country. Peru already faces low labor productivity compared to neighboring countries like Chile and Argentina. The new legislation that expands days off only exacerbates this gap. In an environment where less work leads to less production, it is hard to envision a scenario where investments flow and growth is sustained. The deeper criticism of this situation is that the increase in holidays seems to reflect a trend toward legislative populism, where decisions are prioritized that, while popular, do not take economic consequences into account. Legislators appear to act without proper consultation with experts or rigorous analysis of the short- and long-term effects of their decisions. This creates an environment where the national economy is forced to adapt to regulations that, instead of fostering growth, hinder it. It is essential for policymakers to consider a more balanced approach. The need to rest and commemorate important dates should not conflict with the imperative need to generate wealth and promote a productive work environment. The pursuit of an appropriate balance between days off and economic productivity is essential for the sustainable development of the country. As citizens, it is our duty to call for reflection on these decisions. Each new holiday should be evaluated not only for its symbolism but also for its impact on the economy and the daily lives of Peruvians. National history is important, but Peru's economic future depends on informed and responsible decisions that prioritize productivity and overall well-being. In this context, responsibility lies with both the legislature and the citizens. It is necessary to advocate for a deeper and more reasoned debate on the legislation that affects our country. If economic reality is not taken into account, Peru could find itself on a path leading to reduced competitiveness and increased poverty, a legacy that no legislator should leave in their wake.