CARACAS, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Hugo Chavez, who was reelected president of Venezuela a month ago, on Thursday appointed Jorge Rodriguez his new vice president and Rodrigo Cabez as new finance minister, local press reported on Thursday.

    Rodriguez, 41, former chief of the National Electoral Council from 2003 to 2006, replaces Jose Vicente Rangel.

    Cabezas, who replaces Nelson Merentes, was a professional economist and a lawmaker from 1993 to 1998. And from 2000 to 2004, he served as vice president and then president of the National Assembly (parliament) Finance Committee.

    In addition, Chavez said congressman Pedro Carreno will replace Jesse Chacon as interior and justice minister.

    Chavez won Venezuela's presidential election on Dec. 3, and will formally take power for another six-year term on Jan. 10.