Chaves vows great change

Rodrigo Chaves began a four-year term as Costa Rica’s president yesterday, taking office with a lengthy list of reproaches for his predecessor while promising great change. Shortly after being given the ceremonial presidential sash by outgoing President Carlos Alvarado Quesada, Chaves lashed out at the state of the nation he nowleads, complaining of the high cost of living, crime, drug trafficking and long lines at social security offices. The World Bank veteran is not a newcomer to the establishment, but in the April 3 election he defeated aman whowas almost a symbol of it: Jose Maria Figueres, a former president and son of a three-time president.