Former Italian premier Conte defends pandemic response in parliamentary inquiry

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his administration's management of the COVID-19 pandemic during a parliamentary inquiry commission hearing in Rome. Speaking for over three hours, the Five Star Movement leader maintained that "da me nessun illecito" occurred during his tenure, emphasizing that emergency decree laws were necessary to safeguard public health.

Conte revealed he submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors regarding a 100-million-euro mask procurement deal with JC Electronics, urging authorities to investigate potential counterfeit equipment. The former premier strongly rejected criticism from the ruling coalition, warning lawmakers against acting as "plotoni di esecuzione." The parliamentary commission continues its investigation into emergency decrees, vaccine purchases, and equipment procurement during the health crisis.

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