Massive Protests in Poland Against Right-Wing Government and Threats to Democracy

Hundreds of thousands of people marched in anti-government protests across Poland, with citizens voicing their anger at officials who they say have eroded democratic norms and created fears that the nation is following Hungary and Turkey down the path to autocracy. The opposition party led the march, with former President Lech Walesa and ex-Prime Minister Donald Tusk in attendance. The government spokesman accused Tusk and Walesa of “trying to overthrow the government.” The rally started at Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki’s office and ended up at the Royal Castle, where Tusk hailed the turnout and pledged to fight to win an autumn election.