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William Barr begins this Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee his confirmation hearing at the post of Secretary of Justice. He has to replace Jeff Sessions, sacked by Donald Trump. William Barr has previously headed the Justice Department under President George HW Bush, who recently passed away. He supports a strong presidential power and has expressed his reluctance about prosecutor Mueller's investigation into Russian interference. But before his hearing before the Senate, the candidate chosen by Donald Trump was reassuring: he said he would not question the work of the special prosecutor.
With our correspondent in Washington, Anne Corpet
This is a statement that aims to allay the concerns of Democrats on the fate of the investigation of prosecutor Mueller, regularly described as a witch hunt by the president.
" If I'm confirmed, I would not allow partisan politics, personal interests, or any other inappropriate consideration to interfere with this investigation, " writes William Barr on the eve of his hearing. And he adds, " I think it is in the best interest of all that this issue be resolved by allowing the special prosecutor to complete his work. "
A statement that contrasts with some of his past comments. In a memo sent to the government in June, the man chosen by the president to oversee the Justice Department, considered that part of the Mueller inquiry was " irremediably misconceived " and " grossly irresponsible ".
Republicans have a sufficient majority in the Senate to confirm William Barr at the head of the Department of Justice. But the Democrats have warned that they intend to scrutinize his actions and screen him for independence.