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

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte appeared before the parliamentary commission investigating the country's COVID-19 pandemic response, defending his administration's decisions.

During an extensive hearing, the Five Star Movement leader addressed questions regarding emergency decrees, vaccine rollouts, and medical equipment procurement. Conte announced that he delivered an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors detailing a 100-million-euro transaction with supplier JC Electronics, calling for an inquiry into potentially counterfeit masks.

Rebuffing accusations from the governing majority, Conte maintained that no illegalities occurred under his leadership and cautioned the parliamentary panel against turning into a political tribunal targeting the opposition.

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