Embattled US attorney general resigns

The controversial US attorney general Alberto Gonzales has resigned. The close ally of President Bush was caught up in a recent political storm. His sacking of federal prosecutors last year was slammed by the opposition Democrats as politically motivated.

Despite his constant denials, relations with the Democrat-controlled Congress deteriorated and he even came in for criticism from some Republicans. Gonzales was also criticised when he backed President Bush’s plans for domestic spying without court-issued warrants.

President Bush today defended his friend: “It’s sad that we live in times when a talented and honorable person like Alberto Gonzales is impeding [sic] from doing important work because his good name was dragged through the mud for political reasons.”

Media reports in the US say the secretary of homeland security, Michael Chertoff, is likely to be nominated to replace Gonzales.

Copyright © 2012 euronews