Spanish siesta shortened reports the Washington Times, although it seems to me it's being outright eliminated for federal workers. Is this a good thing? On the one hand, I suppose nothing lasts forever and the advent of electricity and air conditioning means there's really no good reason not to work after lunch. And this line in the story managed to simultaneously scandalize me and confirm everything I already think about Europe:
The 37 1/2-hour week is considered long by Western European standards for public employees.
A little honest work wouldn't kill 'em, right?
On the other hand, we're talking about a government changing the culture by fiat --it's not businesses deciding freely what must be done to compete, it's the government telling people how they must live. The Spanish government doesn't even have primarily economic motives --it wants people to go to bed earlier. So unnatural: if the sun doesn't set until 10 pm or later, is there any reason to go to bed at 8:00? And they call Franco a fascist?
Spanish workers of the world, lie down for your rights! ¡Viva la siesta!
