Conte defends pandemic response before Italian parliamentary inquiry

Former Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte appeared before a parliamentary commission examining Italy's management of the Covid-19 pandemic, defending his administration's emergency measures and procurement decisions. During the hours-long hearing, the Five Star Movement leader maintained that his government committed no wrongdoing while navigating unprecedented public health challenges through decrees, lockdowns, and medical supply acquisitions.

Conte also revealed he submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors regarding a 100-million-euro contract for face masks from supplier JC Electronics, urging authorities to examine potential irregularities and counterfeiting. Responding to criticism from coalition lawmakers, Conte rejected characterisations of the inquiry as a partisan tribunal and insisted all crisis policies were implemented within legal boundaries.

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