Denmark has abolished Store Bededag (Great Prayer Day), a historical holiday since 1686, sparking debate about working hours and economic impact. The decision, made on February 28, 2023, designates the day as an “ordinary extra working day,” leading to discussions on whether Danes work enough and the potential effects on the economy.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that some people believe Danes should work less, but she disagrees. This comes amidst data showing that Denmark has one of the fewest public holidays in Europe, alongside Germany and the Netherlands, with only nine days. Cyprus leads with 15 public holidays, followed by several countries with 14.

The abolition of the holiday has raised questions about its intended impact on increasing working hours. An analysis suggests that Danes might use a significant portion of the increased working time to take additional time off, diminishing the overall effect. Economists suggest that the impact of the abolition may decrease over time due to increased efficiency and a desire for more leisure time.

Experts argue that Danes may compensate for the lost holiday by creating their own leisure time. This could involve taking extra days off or working shorter hours. The International Monetary Fund estimates a minimal increase in gross domestic product from abolishing Great Prayer Day, ranging from 0.01 to 0.06 percent.