Former Italian PM Conte defends pandemic response at parliamentary inquiry
Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his government's pandemic measures during a parliamentary inquiry, rejecting claims of wrongdoing.
Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his government's pandemic management during a parliamentary inquiry hearing in Rome, rejecting accusations of wrongdoing.
Speaking for over three hours, the Five Star Movement leader maintained that emergency decrees and procurement decisions were taken strictly to protect public health. Conte revealed he submitted an anonymous report to prosecutors regarding a 100-million-euro mask contract with supplier JC Electronics, calling for a thorough investigation into potential counterfeit goods. Addressing lawmakers, Conte asserted that "no illegality" occurred under his leadership and cautioned the committee against acting as a political target squad.
The hearing proceeded following several hours of procedural delays in the Chamber of Deputies.
Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.
How outlets assessed this
- Aug 10, 2026, 02:00 AM UTC
- Il Messaggero Skeptical Framed Conte's testimony as an extended self-defense speech characterized by political confrontation with the governing coalition.
- La Repubblica Cautious Emphasized Conte's defense of his administration's pandemic record and his counteroffensive against political opponents.
- ANSA Neutral Focused strictly on procedural timing, factual statements, and legal documents submitted during the hearing.
Sources
- Corriere della Sera — Conte davanti alla Commissione Covid: le ultime notizie in diretta| L'ex premier: «Ho consegnato in procura un verbale su possibili mascherine contraffatte. Scavate pure, da me nessun illecito»
- ANSA — Conte: 'Ho depositato alla procura di Roma un documento anonimo su mascherine sospette'
- La Repubblica — Conte in commissione Covid: ricevuto documento anonimo su mascherine JC. No a plotoni di esecuzione
- Il Messaggero — Covid, Conte: «Da me nessun illecito». E porta in procura un documento sui 100 milioni di euro alla Jc Electronics per le mascherine. Botta e risposta con Meloni
Earlier coverage
- Aug 15, 2026, 09:00 PM UTCGiuseppe Conte defends pandemic record before Italian parliamentary inquiry
- Aug 15, 2026, 07:00 PM UTCConte defends pandemic response before Italian parliamentary inquiry
- Aug 15, 2026, 03:00 PM UTCConte defends pandemic response and submits mask dossier to prosecutors
- Aug 15, 2026, 01:00 PM UTCItaly's former prime minister Conte defends pandemic decisions before parliamentary panel
- Aug 15, 2026, 09:00 AM UTCGiuseppe Conte defends pandemic record before Italian parliamentary Covid commission
- Aug 15, 2026, 04:30 AM UTCConte defends pandemic record and submits mask dossier to prosecutors
- Aug 15, 2026, 02:30 AM UTCConte defends Covid record and submits mask dossier to prosecutors
- Aug 15, 2026, 01:00 AM UTCConte defends pandemic management before parliamentary inquiry
- Aug 14, 2026, 08:30 PM UTCConte defends Covid response and submits mask dossier during inquiry hearing
- Aug 14, 2026, 03:30 PM UTCFormer Italian prime minister Conte defends pandemic record before parliamentary inquiry