Sebastián Piñera was sworn in as the President of Chile after winning the election held in January 2010, defeating the candidate from the ruling coalition. His inauguration took place in the Palacio de La Moneda in Santiago, amidst a tense atmosphere as the country was still recovering from the devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck on February 27, 2010. The earthquake had caused widespread destruction, leading to significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure. As Piñera took the oath of office, aftershocks from the Pichilemu earthquakes were felt, which added an unexpected layer of urgency and seriousness to the proceedings. 

The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including previous presidents, foreign ambassadors, and members of the military. Piñera emphasized the need for national unity and reconstruction, outlining his goals to revive the economy, improve education, and address the social issues exacerbated by the recent disasters. His presidency marked a return to right-wing leadership following years of center-left governance in Chile, reflecting a broader political shift in the country’s electoral landscape post-2010 disaster. The dual focus on both governance and disaster response showcased the dynamic challenges Piñera would face as he began his term.