Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said this evening it was clear there was optimism in Malta and this could be seen from the massive number of people who had gathered in Paola.

Speaking in Italian during a Labour Party activity held to close the campaign for Saturday's local elections, Mr Renzi said that when Prime Minister Joseph Muscat invited him for the inauguration of the interconnector he realised this was an important moment for both Malta and Italy.

He said that in spite of the element of negativity in Europe, it was clear that Malta was optimistic.

Optimism, he said, was about  forming part of one big picture. "Together as Europeans we can succeed," he said.He said the interconnector which had just been inaugurated was not just an energy link between Malta and Europe but a link to the hearts of Malta and Italy.

Also speaking in Italian, Dr Muscat praised and thanked Italy for saving hundreds of lives in the Mediterranean.

Closing off the election campaign, Dr Muscat turned to Maltese and gave an overview of the government's accomplishments since taking office, from attracting foreign direct investment to reaching the lowest rate of unemployment in the history of the island.

He listed the €5,000 grant being given to first time home buyers and the introduction of free childcare centres.

"To us poverty is not a perception, we have a vision that is not only pro business but on that will see people back on their feet," he said.

He said the government had given people new hope through the introduction of new civil liberties and had a plan to bring he health care system back to life.

"I am here because I do not fear the judgment of any of you here. Because I am confident in the work we have done together and of where we are going," he said, encouraging the large gathering to vote for all the labour candidates in their district," he said.