Former Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte defends Covid-19 response at parliamentary inquiry

Former Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte defended his government's handling of the pandemic during a testimony lasting over three hours before a parliamentary inquiry commission in Rome.

Conte rejected allegations of wrongdoing regarding emergency measures, mask procurement, and lockdowns, insisting his administration acted lawfully throughout the crisis. During his statement, the Five Star Movement leader revealed he had submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors concerning a 100-million-euro mask transaction involving JC Electronics, urging authorities to investigate potential counterfeiting.

Conte accused the governing coalition of using the panel as a political instrument against opponents. The hearing faced a four-hour delay due to parliamentary scheduling conflicts before Conte presented his detailed defense.

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