New Chilean President Greeted With 7.2 Aftershock

An aftershock of 7.2 has hit Chile the same day its new President, Sebastian Pinera, is set to take office. The aftershock struck 77 miles southwest of Santiago.

Of course, Chile is already reeling from earthquake that measured 8.8 on the Richter scale back on February 27th. It has claimed the lives of nearly 500 people and has caused billions of dollars in damage.

Pinera was elected in January ending more than two decades of left of center rule in Chile. Most new Presidents have a grace period with their electorate. But under the circumstances I don't think Pinera is going to have that luxury. On the other hand, Pinera has been a successful entrepreneur. Where most people see problems successful entrepreneurs see opportunities. One can only hope that Pinera's entrepreneurial skills will serve him well in what is Chile's greatest crisis since the dark days of the Pinochet regime.