By Michel Rose

MARSEILLE (France) – On Saturday, President Emmanuel Macron pledged to France to be the “first great country” to abandon oil, coal, and gas. This was a pitch for young and green voters he worries could vote no in next week’s presidential election.

Macron attempted to expand his small advantage over Marine Le Pen in an attempt to win more votes in Marseille, the Mediterranean city.

Both candidates are trying to win the votes of Melenchon voters in the second round on Sunday, April 24.

Macron claimed he would direct his next prime minister to “green planning”, appealing both to left-wing voters’ nostalgic for central planning post-war Communist-inspired and tapping into 21st Century concerns over climate change.

Macron stated to the flag-waving crowd that he had heard about the fear among the young French people at an area overlooking Marseille’s Old Port.

France will become the world’s first nation to get out of oil, gas, and coal. This prime minister has a mission. Macron declared that it is possible, and that we will achieve it. Macron said, “Between nuclear and coal, on the one hand, and nuclear on the other,”

Six new nuclear reactors will be built by the president, and studies are underway for an additional eight. The President also wants to double solar power capacity and create 50 offshore wind farms. In order to conserve energy, he wants to insulate 700 000 homes each year.

Macron, who is centrist, said that he also wanted to set up a May national day of the natural world every year. Le Pen was branded a climate sceptic by Macron.

Melenchon was third with over 21% of votes on April 10. As both candidates try to win his support, Le Pen will be going for the rural, working class electorate. He is focusing on rising fuel prices, high living costs, and the rise in food and petrol prices after the conflict in Ukraine.

Macron is trying to attract the educated, middle-left, and urban Melenchon supporter.

According to an opinion poll conducted by Ipsos, 33% said they would vote for Macron while 16% for Le Pen was their preference. 51% of respondents were undecided.

On Saturday thousands marched in support of Le Pen as opposition groups formed a front to block her win.

Mehdi Sam, 25, a Marseille-based IT engineer, said Macron’s environment programme was very interesting. He added, however, that Melenchon’s father had voted for him in round one.

I think it’s a mistake. He said that he understood that Macron doesn’t like everything. However, we overlook the negative side of Macron: A camp with extreme values and poor governance. That’s not France that I desire for tomorrow.”