Giuseppe Conte defends COVID-19 response before parliamentary inquiry

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte delivered extensive testimony before a parliamentary inquiry commission in Rome, defending his government's management of the COVID-19 health emergency. Speaking for over three hours, the Five Star Movement leader insisted there was "no wrongdoing" in his administration's executive decrees, vaccination policies, and procurement decisions.

Conte revealed he had submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors regarding a 100-million-euro mask contract involving supplier JC Electronics, requesting an investigation into potential counterfeit equipment. Defending Italy's pandemic response model, Conte rejected criticism from the ruling parliamentary coalition and warned against turning the inquiry into a political "firing squad." The hearing proceeded following initial parliamentary scheduling delays.

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