Former Italian prime minister defends pandemic response at inquiry

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic during a parliamentary inquiry hearing. Speaking for over three hours, the Five Star Movement leader maintained that his administration acted lawfully and rejected allegations of misconduct.

During his testimony, Conte disclosed that he had submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors regarding a 100-million-euro mask procurement contract with JC Electronics, urging an investigation into potential counterfeiting. He also warned lawmakers against turning the inquiry panel into a political tribunal targeting the opposition.

The session at Palazzo San Macuto began following a four-hour delay caused by scheduling conflicts in the Chamber of Deputies. Commission President Marco Lisei confirmed that lawmaker questioning would follow Conte's opening presentation.

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