( CNN ) -- Portugal is eliminating four holidays to try to boost its economy , the government announced -- but only after getting the agreement of the Vatican . The economically struggling European country will stop giving workers a day off for Corpus Christi and All Saints ' Day , starting next year , the government said . It will also eliminate two civil holidays to be fair , the statement said Tuesday . The center-right government thanked the Holy See and the Portuguese Bishops ' Conference for their `` constructive approach '' to the negotiations . Portugal and the Vatican will re-evaluate the agreement in five years , the government said . Economy ministry spokesman Hugo Soares declined to say how cutting the holidays would boost the economy . The opposition Socialists and Communists did not immediately respond to CNN requests for comment . Portugal , a largely Catholic country , is struggling with recession and debt . Along with the economies of Greece , Italy , Ireland and Spain , its economy is a cause for concern across the 17 countries that use the euro as their currency .
Portugal 's government consults Corpus Christi before canceling vacation days . The Vatican agrees to the elimination of the Holy See and All Saints Tuesday . two civil holidays will also be cut , the government says . Greece is trying to boost its struggling economy .