ABOUT half a million people have taken to the streets of Warsaw to voice their anger at a right-wing administration that has eroded democratic norms and created fears the nation is following Hungary and Turkey down the path to autocracy.

Large crowds gathered in Krakow and other cities across the nation of 38 million, showing frustration with a government that critics accuse of violating the constitution and eroding fundamental rights in Poland.

Former president Lech Walesa stood on a stage with the leader of the opposition Civic Platform party, former Polish prime minister Donald Tusk.

The crowd cheered on the two men, both of whom are reviled by the ruling Law and Justice party led by Jaroslaw Kaczynski, and at times chanted “democracy” and “constitution!”

Radek Tuskinski, who rallied with his wife and two young children attached a sign reading “I cannot give up freedom” to their baby stroller.

Mr Tuskinski said: “We want a free country for our children.”

Supporters of the march have warned that the general election due to be held in October might be the nation’s last chance to stop the erosion of democracy under the ruling party, Law and Justice, amid growing fears that the poll might not be fair.