Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defends Covid response before parliamentary commission

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his government’s pandemic response before a parliamentary commission of inquiry in Rome, maintaining that all decisions were taken legally and in the interest of public health.

During a testimony lasting over three hours, the Five Star Movement leader rejected criticism from the ruling coalition, asserting that no illegal acts occurred under his administration. Conte revealed that he recently submitted an anonymous report to Rome prosecutors concerning a 100-million-euro mask procurement deal with JC Electronics, urging authorities to inspect potential irregularities.

The inquiry, established by the current parliamentary majority, faces accusations from opposition figures of acting as a political tribunal. Conte urged lawmakers to maintain objectivity while defending Italy's early containment strategy.

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