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. 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. The incumbent right-wing President Andrzej Duda is at odds with the government, blocking legislation and making strongly critical comments. He is to leave office in August, ending his second five-year term. He cannot seek another term, according to Poland’s constitution. Szymon Holownia, the powerful speaker of the lower house of parliament, has declared he will run for president as head of Poland 2050, a party within the ruling coalition.
