His speech will be based on three months of national debate aimed at addressing the protesters’ concerns The protesters see the centrist Macron as favoring the rich and want more income equality PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron is set to unveil long-awaited plans to quell five months of yellow vest protests that have damaged his presidency. Macron will make a speech Thursday at the Elysee presidential palace based on three months of national debate aimed at addressing the protesters’ concerns through town hall meetings and collecting complaints online. He is expected to respond to concerns over sinking purchasing power with tax cuts for lower-income households and measures to boost pensions and help single parents. He may also make it easier for ordinary people to initiate local referendums. The protesters see the centrist Macron as favoring the rich and want more income equality. Macron initially planned to make his announcements last week, but postponed them when the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral broke out.