Conte defends pandemic record and submits mask dossier to prosecutors

Former Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte defended his administration's handling of the coronavirus pandemic during an extended hearing before a parliamentary inquiry commission in Rome. Addressing lawmakers after a four-hour scheduling delay, the Five Star Movement leader maintained that his government acted legally and transparently when implementing emergency decrees and procurement measures.

Conte revealed that he submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors regarding a roughly 100-million-euro contract with JC Electronics involving potentially counterfeit face masks, calling for judicial authorities to investigate the transaction thoroughly. Responding to scrutiny from the ruling majority, the former premier denied any illicit conduct and urged lawmakers not to use the commission as a partisan tribunal.

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