Italian PM stands by League over Russia funding scandal

ROME: Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Wednesday he had continued trust in the coalition League party despite allegations it had sought illicit funds from Russia.

"There are no elements at this stage that could reduce the trust I have in all members of the government," Conte told the upper house Senate in a speech that addressed the scandal which has shaken the League and its leader, Matteo Salvini.

Italian magistrates said earlier this month they had opened an investigation into possible international corruption following media reports that the League party had sought millions of euros via a secret Russian oil deal.