In an official note, António Costa's office justifies the extra time off for "workers who perform public functions in the State" with the Easter period which leads many people to travel outside their places of residence.

"Considering that it is a common practice for many people to travel outside their places of residence during the Easter period, with a view to holding family reunions, the Government decided to grant a day off in the afternoon of Maundy Thursday, March 28th, to workers who perform public functions in direct State administration services, whether central or deconcentrated, and in public institutes", the note reads.

The executive makes, however, an exception for "services and bodies that, for reasons of public interest, must remain in operation".

Easter, one of the main religious holidays, along with Christmas, is celebrated on Sunday, March 31st.