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.

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.

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.