Former Italian leader Conte defends COVID-19 response at parliamentary inquiry

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his administration's management of the COVID-19 pandemic during a parliamentary inquiry, denying any wrongdoing. Stepping down temporarily from the panel to testify, the Five Star Movement leader insisted that no illegal acts were committed during his tenure, while accusing political opponents of using the commission as an ideological trial against his former government.

During more than three hours of testimony, Conte disclosed that he had submitted a document to prosecutors in Rome concerning a 100-million-euro transaction involving face masks supplied by JC Electronics. He invited lawmakers to examine all procurement records thoroughly. Conte maintained that emergency decrees and purchasing decisions made during the health crisis saved lives and followed expert medical advice, despite sharp questioning from governing coalition lawmakers.

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