The head of Poland’s parliament says the country’s presidential election will be held on May 18, with a runoff on June 1 if needed.

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.

Poland's May 18 presidential election comes as a critical test for the ruling pro-European government, facing off against conservative forces backed by President Duda's PiS party. Key figures include liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and conservative Karol Nawrocki.