Arroyo's task ahead

Arroyo's task ahead

The Philippines have seen it all before. Many are those who draw a parallel with how the popular protests 15 years ago forced Ferdinand Marcos to resign as president, and with how it was possible for Corazon Aquino to take his place.

Also now it is a woman, Gloria Arroyo, taking over, and now the resignation is forced by long, popular protests.

What in the end brought down President Joseph Estrada was neither the popular wrath, nor the impeachment process against him. The decisive factor seems to have been that he lost the support of the military and his own government. It was even rumored that the army chief and the former President Fidel Ramos for several months had planned to remove Estrada.

The task awaiting Arroyo is hardly enviable. The people have been forced to get used to political chaos, armed uprisings and economic instability.

Arroyo must create a trustworthy system, she must be able to attract foreign investors and handle high unemployment. And, analysts ask, what line will she take with her predecessor, who apparently will remain in the Philippines? Many are those who want to see him put to trial; the memory of Marcos being able to go into exile is deep.

That the new president already during the installation ceremony appealed for unity is not surprising. Great things are expected from her -- which is both hopeful and worrying.

-- Dagens Nyheter, Stockholm, Sweden