The head of Poland's parliament said Wednesday that the country's presidential election will be held on May 18, with a runoff on June 1 if needed. The election will decide whether the pro-European Union Cabinet of Prime Minister Donald Tusk will gain an ally in the presidential palace at a challenging time for Poland and for Europe.

Poland will hold the first round of a presidential election on May 18, the parliament speaker said on Wednesday, setting the scene for a vote that will be crucial for the pro-European government's hopes of implementing its agenda.

Poles will elect a new president on May 18, parliament speaker Szymon Holownia announced on Wednesday. The current head of state, Andrzej Duda, cannot run again after serving two terms under the backing of the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party.