MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

State of the Nation.

Chilean president Ricardo Lagos addressed this week Congress promising the creation of 150.000 new jobs and 3,5 billion US dollars in public investments in anticipation of a medium upturn of the economy.

The 90 minutes State of the Nation address called for unity and harmony, rejected the latent pessimism in some sectors of the country and emphasized the need to undertake social challenges such as employment, health and housing. President Lagos announced free medical care for pensioners over 65, and a three steps program to gradually extend health care to all Chileans. Housing for the poorest 20% of the population will be implemented with a savings system that includes matching government funds at low interest rates. Counterbalancing President Lagos invited private sector involvement in a 3,5 billion US dollars investment program that includes road building, irrigation systems, ports and airports, besides the extension of three underground lines in Santiago. The Chilean president also promised private involvement in the building and managing of future hospitals and jails. Mr. Lagos also dared some innovations in a very conservative society. He appealed to the maturity and responsibility of individuals suggesting that a second chance to establish a relation be given to couples, in other words admitting the possibility of introducing divorce in Chilean legislation. In similar oblique terms he referred to the "pill of the day after", suggesting families should be entitled to decide contraceptive methods. Finally concerning foreign affairs Mr. Lagos appealed to political responsibility in discussing free trade agreements with the United States and the European Union."Our energies are scarce and we can't waste them in recriminations or non productive debates".