A legislative proposal presented to the State Duma of the LDPR argues for a day off on the Monday following Easter. The bill seeks to align the calendar with traditional Easter observances while ensuring that the overall number of non-working days remains stable and that the measure does not demand additional budget allocations. One of the drafters, Yaroslav Nilov, explains that the move is intended to optimize the calendar around Easter Monday celebrations, making the long weekend more predictable for families and communities who observe the holiday with religious and cultural practices.
The explanatory note accompanying the bill emphasizes that Easter is a widespread holiday in Russia, with a significant portion of the population observing its traditions. Supporters contend that adopting the extra day off would not only honor a deep historical heritage shared by Orthodox believers but also symbolize the state’s recognition of the role Orthodoxy has played in shaping the country’s spiritual, cultural, and historical landscape. By framing the measure as a gesture of cultural affirmation rather than a novelty, the authors position the proposal as a practical improvement to public life that respects both historical customs and the needs of a modern society. The authors also point to the administrative and economic considerations, arguing that the rearrangement of days off can be achieved without expanding the public deficit and without increasing annual numbers of non-working days across the federal calendar. This perspective is presented as a careful balance between tradition and fiscal responsibility, reflecting broader debates about how a nation remembers its past while planning for present and future social functioning. The justification rests on the premise that Easter Monday is already a notable occasion for many communities, and a formal holiday would provide structure for commemoration, family time, and community events without introducing new financial burdens for the national budget or for regional authorities. The proposal thus attempts to harmonize religious commemoration with the practicalities of governance and everyday life, suggesting that cultural continuity can coexist with administrative efficiency in a modern state.