Thouaré-sur-Loire (France) (AFP)

Candidate declared for the presidential election of 2022, Xavier Bertrand (ex-LR) spoke on Tuesday in Thouaré-sur-Loire for the revival of nuclear power and declared himself for "massive support" for anti-wind associations in his region .

"If I am elected, I will choose from next summer the relaunch of a nuclear program worthy of the name which we need to remain independent and for electricity to stop increasing in our country", declared in front of journalists M. Bertrand, in reaction to Emmanuel Macron's remarks during his trip to Polynesia on energies, renewable or nuclear.

The President of the Republic, who was speaking on Franceinfo, repeated that he considered nuclear power as a "chance" for France.

"He says, + nuclear power is good. + So that we choose now to launch the new EPRs and that we do not wait," replied Mr. Bertrand.

Emmanuel Macron also defended in this interview "case-by-case pragmatism" on wind and solar projects in order not to "damage our landscapes", "a part of our identity".

Mentioning the example of Hauts-de-France, the region headed by Xavier Bertrand, Mr. Macron explained that it was, according to him, essential to "improve local consultation" before the implementation of these projects.

Regarding wind turbines in his region, Xavier Bertrand demanded, about the Head of State: "that he gives instructions tomorrow to the five prefects (of the region) to now block all wind projects".

"But otherwise (if he doesn't, editor's note), it's just statements, it's just communication."

Recalling that a quarter of onshore wind turbines were located in the Hauts de France, the president of the region declared: "we are going to switch to another strategy of massive support for anti-wind associations because today, it is the earthen pot against the iron pot. Me, I am on the side of the earthenware pot and we are going to finance anti-wind associations in the Hauts de France region ".

During his trip to Loire-Atlantique, Mr. Bertrand notably visited a work assistance center for the disabled.

The president of Hauts-de-France refuses the principle of a right-wing primary in view of the presidential election.

The president of the Ile-de-France region Valérie Pécresse (president of Libres !, ex-LR) has also declared herself a candidate for the nomination, as has the doctor and LR mayor of La Garenne-Colombes Philippe Juvin.

The right also has several other potential candidates, such as Bruno Retailleau, Michel Barnier or Laurent Wauquiez.

© 2021 AFP