Conte defends COVID-19 response and submits mask report to prosecutors

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic during a parliamentary commission hearing, asserting that no illegalities were committed under his leadership. Rebuffing criticism from the ruling coalition, the Five Star Movement leader insisted emergency decrees and health protocols strictly followed scientific advice.

During more than three hours of testimony, Conte revealed that he submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors regarding a 100-million-euro mask transaction involving JC Electronics and potentially counterfeit supplies. Responding to political opposition, he urged lawmakers to investigate all pandemic procurement thoroughly while warning against turning the parliamentary panel into a political execution squad.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.