Former Italian premier Conte submits mask document during COVID-19 inquiry defense

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte delivered an extended defense of his administration's pandemic response during a parliamentary inquiry hearing, rejecting accusations of misconduct while launching counter-accusations against political opponents.

Speaking for over three hours, the Five Star Movement leader defended the national strategy implemented during the health crisis and invited commissioners to examine his record thoroughly, stating, "Scavate pure, da me nessun illecito." Conte revealed he submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors concerning a 100-million-euro transaction involving mask supplier JC Electronics, demanding a full investigation into potential fraud.

Conte reiterated his criticism of the parliamentary panel, characterising the inquiry as a political "plotone di esecuzione" orchestrated by the governing coalition. The hearing featured sharp exchanges between Conte and majority lawmakers over emergency decrees and procurement decisions made during the crisis.

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