According to the Ministry of Labor, the relevant document provides for the transfer of working days on January 8 and 9 to the weekends of February 7 and April 25, 2026. According to Article 66 of the Labor Code, citizens of the republic must have a holiday from January 1 to 7.
The Ministry of Labor explained that the extension of the holidays is related to the increase in the incidence of acute respiratory viruses and influenza in the aftermath of the New Year celebrations. The additional days off may reduce the level of seasonal illnesses.
School winter holidays in 2026 are also extended until January 12, allowing families to spend time together, strengthening family ties and contributing to social well-being.
The extension of the New Year holidays will have economic benefits. The first two weeks of January are peak for the winter tourist season, and the additional days off will help small and medium-sized businesses, as well as promote the development of tourist regions and activate domestic tourism.
Moreover, this step will have a positive impact on the energy system, reducing the electricity deficit and relieving the utility infrastructure during the winter period. The increase in the duration of the holidays may also enhance the efficiency of government institutions and improve socio-economic indicators without requiring significant budget expenditures, as previously reported.
