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The House of Representatives has validated a new step towards the dismissal of Donald Trump, Thursday, October 31, 2019. REUTERS / Tom Brenner

In the United States, the House of Representatives adopted Thursday, October 31, the resolution setting the rules of the procedure for removal of Donald Trump. A new formal step in the instruction against the American president.

Unsurprisingly, Democrats, who hold the majority in the House, had no trouble passing the resolution, opening a new stage in the investigation of the Ukrainian case. More than 20 years after the last vote that opened such a procedure against Bill Clinton, the text was adopted by 232 votes to 196. Only two Democratic votes were missing: those of two constituencies largely in favor of the President. American. The Republicans, they were behind the tenant of the White House and all spoke against the procedure.

" What is at stake is nothing less than the defense of democracy, " Democrat majority leader Nancy Pelosi told the House just before the vote. " I do not know why some Republicans are afraid of the truth, " she added. Republicans have on their side denounced an " abuse of power ", an " unfair and partisan ", reports our correspondent in Washington, Anne Corpet .

Just after the vote, Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction on Twitter. " This is the biggest witch hunt in American history ," he said. The presidency has long lamented the lack of voting in this impeachment procedure, but the fact that this election has taken place does not change its defense strategy: Donald Trump continues to pose as a victim.

The Greatest Witch Hunt In American History!

Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2019

Some hearings may now be public. The Republican side will have the right to raise objections and even call its own witnesses. But on one condition: that the White House cooperate with the investigation. It is this condition that bristles the Republican camp. Some even evoke a Soviet-style procedure. Democrats are determined to continue their investigation, with public hearings. Failing to convince the Senate majority Republican who will be ultimately responsible for voting the impeachment, they hope at least show the American people that the president is not worthy of a second term.