New president vows to transform Mexico into a "power" (3)

A major infrastructure building program to be headed by the Transportation and Communications Ministry calls for the construction of several rail lines, including an electric train connecting the capital with Mexico's second-largest city Guadalajara.

Pena Nieto also announced his intention to introduce major education reform, crucial in a country where teaching posts are often inherited, by establishing tests and standards for teachers, and launching a nationwide census of schools, students and teachers.

"It's time to unite behind common goals," said Pena Nieto, after listing his government's initial decisions, or goals.

Mexico's 66th president takes office for a six-year term from 2012 to 2018, returning to power the once long-ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which governed nonstop for 71 years before voted out in 2000.

Pena Nieto, 46, claims he represents a new, more democratic PRI that believes in the alternation of power while many pro- democratic messages were delivered in his 50-minute speech.

"As a democratic president, I will respect every voice of society," he said, pledging to lead "a responsible government that is very close to the people."

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