Peruvians watch to see if new president will keep promises

Published: 2006-08-08

LIMA, Peru (CNS) -- As the excitement of inauguration day faded and the new government got down to work, Peruvians were watching to see if President Alan Garcia would keep the promises he made in his inaugural address. Garcia, who took office again July 28 after governing the country from 1985 to 1990, immediately sent several clear signals to his constituents. He appointed six women to his Cabinet and decreed a decrease in public officials' salaries, setting his own at about $4,850 a month and legislators' salaries at about $4,700 a month. Garcia's first presidency was marked by political violence, hyperinflation and long lines for staples such as bread and sugar. After his first Cabinet meeting July 30, he announced other austerity measures and took steps to speed up the way customs officials handle items donated to organizations in the country. Austerity, social programs such as health care and education, and combating poverty were recurring themes in Garcia's inaugural address.

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