Venezuela's Hugo Chavez Chooses New VP

With the selection of a political newcomer as his new vice president, President Hugo Chavez moved forward with changes to his inner circle and laid the groundwork for reforms aimed at confronting problems from corruption to crime.

Chavez dismissed his longtime confidant Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel and said he would be replaced by Jorge Rodriguez, former chief of Venezuela's electoral council.

The move late Wednesday was part of a wider Cabinet shake-up and signals that Chavez, re-elected by a wide margin last month, is seeking fresh blood among his closest allies while planning to reform the constitution and found a single socialist party to replace some two dozen smaller Chavista parties.

``It's always good to refresh the team sometimes,'' Chavez said in an interview with state television. ``All of these changes are without a doubt to strengthen ... and begin this new struggle deeply - these new struggles: corruption, bureaucracy, economic development on the path to socialism.''


http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6323973,00.html

I guess you missed the part which states he was reelected by a wide margin. Clearly a mandate from the masses and I'm sure the people who entrusted him to the office of President are well aware of the powers he may yield.

he can fire the VP and choose a new one at will? qua?

It is NOT an elected position in Venezuela. It's the president's right to fire who he wishes from his cabinet - VP included.