Former Italian leader Giuseppe Conte defends pandemic response before inquiry panel

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his government’s management of the Covid-19 pandemic during a parliamentary inquiry commission hearing in Rome. The Five Star Movement leader rejected all allegations of wrongdoing, telling lawmakers, "Scavate pure, da me nessun illecito."

Speaking for more than three hours, Conte advocated for the emergency measures and health protocols implemented during his tenure. He also mounted an offensive by submitting an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors regarding a 100-million-euro transaction with supplier JC Electronics concerning potentially counterfeit masks. Conte criticized the inquiry panel, describing it as a political "plotone di esecuzione," while clashing with ruling coalition members over procurement decisions and emergency decrees issued during the crisis.

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