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

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his government's pandemic response during a parliamentary inquiry in Rome, asserting that no unlawful acts were committed under his administration. Conte provided testimony addressing emergency decrees, mask procurements, and vaccine distribution during the health crisis.

During his statement, Conte revealed that he submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors concerning a 100-million-euro mask contract with JC Electronics, urging authorities to investigate potential irregularities. He warned lawmakers against conducting political "plotoni di esecuzione" through the inquiry process.

Lawmakers from the ruling coalition questioned Conte's decisions and the timing of his submission to prosecutors. Conte rejected criticisms, maintaining that his administration's actions successfully managed the unprecedented public health emergency.

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