CARACAS, VENEZUELA —
Venezuela's President Maduro has replaced his economic czar just five weeks after appointing the hardline leftist.
Maduro says Luis Salas is leaving his post as vice president for the economy for family reasons.
He's being replaced with a more business-friendly figure, Miguel Perez, who had been serving as commerce minister.
Perez previously led a business chamber and has said that Venezuela must simplify its byzantine exchange rate system.
Salas had sparked concern among the opposition by blaming the country's mounting economic problems on sabotage, and suggesting that inflation was the result of bourgeoisie manipulation. Critics blame inflation on government spending without sufficient revenues.
Maduro made the announcement Monday.
