Former Italian premier Conte defends pandemic record before parliamentary commission

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte addressed a parliamentary commission investigating the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining that his administration acted lawfully throughout the crisis. Speaking during an extended hearing, the Five Star Movement leader rejected political criticisms from the ruling coalition, cautioning against turning the inquiry into a "firing squad."

Conte revealed he submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors regarding a 100-million-euro mask contract linked to JC Electronics, urging authorities to fully investigate procurement dealings. He defended Italy's emergency measures and scientific protocols, asserting that his government operated with total transparency and integrity.

The parliamentary inquiry, backed by the governing majority, continues to review emergency executive decrees, mask acquisitions, and healthcare policies enacted during the pandemic's initial phases.

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