Former Italian leader Conte defends pandemic response before inquiry commission

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte delivered a three-hour defense of his administration’s pandemic response before a parliamentary inquiry commission, maintaining that his government acted with complete integrity. Responding to criticism over executive decrees and procurement, the Five Star Movement leader insisted no illegal acts were committed during the health emergency.

During the hearing, Conte revealed he had submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors concerning a 100-million-euro mask contract with JC Electronics, urging authorities to investigate potential counterfeit supplies. Conte also rejected political attacks from the governing majority, warning lawmakers against turning the inquiry into a political firing squad while standing by Italy's emergency measures.

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