Former Italian prime minister defends pandemic response at parliamentary inquiry

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his government's handling of the COVID-19 crisis during a parliamentary inquiry hearing in Rome. Speaking before the commission for over three hours, the Five Star Movement leader insisted that all emergency measures were lawful, stating, "Dig all you want, there was no wrongdoing on my part."

During the session, Conte revealed that he submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors regarding a 100-million-euro mask procurement contract with JC Electronics, urging authorities to investigate potential counterfeiting. He also cautioned lawmakers against using the inquiry as a political weapon against opposition leaders, calling for objectivity in examining Italy's pandemic management model.

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