Conte defends pandemic response and submits mask dossier to prosecutors

Former Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte concluded an extensive hearing before a parliamentary inquiry commission investigating the country's pandemic management. The Five Star Movement leader spent hours outlining his administration's crisis policies, including emergency decrees, lockdowns, and medical supply acquisitions, maintaining that all decisions respected legal boundaries during an unprecedented national crisis.

During his testimony, Conte confirmed he had submitted an anonymous dossier to Rome prosecutors concerning a 100-million-euro mask contract awarded to supplier JC Electronics, calling for an inquiry into potential counterfeiting. Responding to criticism from current ruling coalition lawmakers, Conte insisted his cabinet committed no misconduct and warned against turning the commission into a partisan exercise.

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