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Victor Espina was euphoric last year when newly inaugurated Chilean President Ricardo Lagos opened the doors of La Moneda, the fortress-like presidential palace, to the public. "I almost cried," says the 50-year-old convenience-store owner, recalling his initial anxiety at ushering his granddaughter past the stern-looking police guards into the bomb-scarred building that is a perennial reminder of Chile's violent clash between military rule and democracy. Many Chileans were moved by their new leader's gesture. As …

…mon to the world," Lagos argues. Then there's the public-relations blitz at home, where Lagos makes daily television appearances in the company of some of his key ministers. The President undoubtedly scored points with citizens by opening up the presidential palace. But increasingly fewer passersby these days are tossing coins into the fountain that adorns La Moneda's courtyard. Maybe Chileans know it'll take more than good luck to pull the country out its current rut.