Former Italian prime minister Conte defends Covid management at parliamentary inquiry

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his government's handling of the pandemic during a parliamentary inquiry commission hearing in Rome. Speaking for over three hours, the Five Star Movement leader declared there was "no wrongdoing" in his administration's emergency decrees, procurement choices, and health restrictions.

Conte revealed that he submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors concerning a 100-million-euro mask contract involving supplier JC Electronics, asking authorities to investigate potential counterfeit equipment. Defending Italy's pandemic strategy, Conte rejected criticism from the ruling parliamentary coalition and warned against converting the inquiry into political attacks. The hearing proceeded after initial parliamentary delays pushed the start time back by several hours.

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