Poland Sets Presidential Election for May 18, Pivotal for Government’s Agenda

The vote will determine if Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pro-EU government gains a cooperative president after years of legislative gridlock.

Poland's presidential election will take place on May 18, with a potential runoff scheduled for June 1, according to parliamentary speaker Szymon Hołownia.
The election is critical for the ruling Civic Coalition, as the president can veto legislation, a power frequently used by outgoing President Andrzej Duda.
Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, representing the Civic Coalition, leads early polls against Karol Nawrocki, the conservative candidate supported by the Law and Justice (PiS) party.
Szymon Hołownia, speaker of the parliament and leader of Poland 2050, has also announced his candidacy, adding another dimension to the race.
The election coincides with Poland's EU presidency, with key issues like judicial reform and European defense cooperation shaping the campaign landscape.