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.