Brussels, Belgium – In a peculiar and audacious move, Belgian Member of Parliament, Jean Leclercq, has proposed a new policy to introduce a nationwide siesta to boost happiness and productivity. The proposal, which would make a two-hour afternoon nap mandatory for all citizens, has sparked a spirited debate across the country.

Leclercq, known for his unconventional ideas and out-of-the-box thinking, believes that a national siesta would help combat the effects of stress and burnout on Belgian society. “By giving our citizens the opportunity to recharge their batteries in the afternoon, we can improve their overall well-being, leading to increased productivity and happiness,” he said during a recent press conference.

The proposed legislation, dubbed “The Sleepy Time Bill,” would require businesses to close between 2 pm and 4 pm every weekday to accommodate the mandatory siesta. In addition, schools would be required to schedule nap times for students, and public spaces would be outfitted with designated “nap zones” for citizens to rest during the afternoon break.

While some Belgians have embraced the idea of a national siesta, many others have raised concerns about the potential impact on the economy and daily life. Business owner, Isabelle Dubois, has criticized the proposal, stating, “As much as I appreciate a good nap, shutting down businesses in the middle of the day would disrupt our workflow and make it difficult for us to compete on an international level.”

Despite the mixed reactions, Leclercq remains determined to see his vision become a reality. He has cited studies from Spain and Italy, where afternoon siestas are a common practice, as evidence that a national nap policy could have a positive impact on Belgian society.

As the debate over the Sleepy Time Bill continues, the future of Belgium’s national siesta remains uncertain. Will the country embrace the unconventional policy and become a pioneer in prioritizing rest, or will the proposal be put to bed as a well-intentioned but ultimately unfeasible idea? Only time will tell.