The massive 8.8 earthquake and resulting tsunamis that recently rocked Chile will deny President-elect Sebastian Pinera a honeymoon period when he takes office today.

 

But in facing the challenges of reconstruction, Pinera will have a strong alibi if he falls short of campaign pledges to boost annual economic growth to six percent and create a million jobs.

 

His cabinet is heavy on business sharpness, but light on political and public sector experience.

 

[Guillermo Holzmann, Political Analyst]:

"Without a doubt his major challenge will be the reconstruction and he will have to place within that framework the major priorities of his government."

 

Holzmann points out what’s ahead for Pinera.

 

[Guillermo Holzmann, Political Analyst]:

"(The quake) has given a substantial jolt to Sebastian Pinera's agenda. There is legislation that needs to be prioritized that corresponds to the failures that occurred during this crisis and the legal modifications [the legislation] will need to be generated. And that will require a constructive attitude…”

 

As Pinera began meeting with foreign dignitaries such as Spain's Prince Felipe, in Santiago for his inauguration, expectations are already high of the incoming president.

 

After 20 years of center-left rule following the fall of military strongman General Augusto Pinochet, Pinera’s government will mark a political shift to the right.

 

[Alvaro, Interviewee]:

"The important thing for me is I hope he will listen to the people. He is a businessman and a businessman listens to the people. So if he listens to them, I imagine he will lead a good government."

 

The center-left coalition that will become the opposition says they will cooperate on the reconstruction. 

 

[Guillermo Holzmann, Political Analyst]:

"The first challenge is the state bureaucracy. The second challenge is to do with the proposals that will be made in Congress, not just to do with the reconstruction but to develop his government plan. If Pinera manages those two things well through negotiation and dialogue with the different sectors of the opposition and social groups, he will probably have a strong base to launch a second mandate.”

 

Protesters gathered outside the Moneda presidential palace chanting "We want solutions now!"

 

They represent thousands of survivors, some of whom had to arm themselves to fend off looters following the quake. They want and expect quick results from the new president.