Sebastián Piñera prepares to take power in quake-hit Chile

The Chilean president-elect, Sebastián Piñera, will take power tomorrow in the aftermath of the country's worst natural catastrophe in 50 years. Piñera, a moderate conservative who had planned to cut social spending and introduce a market-based economic model, now faces much-changed priorities after last month's devastating earthquake demolished Chile's physical infrastructure. "Chile expects quite a bit of its governing officials. Perhaps they have never been so needed," Alejandro Ferreiro, a columnist with the Chilean newspaper, wrote. "Nature has assured that Piñera will have no honeymoon, no trial periods." Federal and private spending is now a priority for Piñera, Chile's first rightwing leader since General Augusto Pinochet stepped down in 1990. He has vowed to spend the first three years of his presidency upgrading and replacing the heavily quake-damaged industrial and public infrastructure in the hard-hit central valley. Estimates for the cost of rebuilding range from $10bn (£6.6bn) to $30bn. While Santiago and the northern cities were largely spared serious damage, much of Chile's industrial production – including wine, forestry products, fishmeal and agriculture – were damaged. Final death tolls for the quake have fluctuated wildly, with the latest figures standing at 500 killed and more than one million homeless. Working closely with the outgoing administration of the socialist Michelle Bachelet, Piñera has asked key aid and administrative officials to remain in their posts. Plans to rebuild the nation's entire hospital infrastructure will be put on hold as the government focus on rebuilding medical institutions in key quake-affected regions. With thousands of homes destroyed and autumn rains expected soon, Piñera's government faces a race to free up federal funds. The incoming president, a successful businessman, made his fortune by investing in LanChile airlines and introducing credit cards to Chile. He has distanced himself from the policies of General Pinochet.