Trump canceling Warsaw trip seen as blow for ruling Polish party

President Donald Trump’s decision to cancel a planned trip to Poland in order to deal with a hurricane comes as a sharp blow to Poland’s government, which had been counting on the visit for a boost ahead of the October election, AP said.

Trump is sending Vice President Mike Pence to observances on Sunday marking the start of World War II, and for meetings with Polish leaders the next day expected to include new military and energy deals.

Trump announced late Thursday that it is “very important” to stay home to deal with Hurricane Dorian, which is predicted to make landfall in Florida on Monday.

Some political opponents in Poland voiced satisfaction that the ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party lost the potential electoral boost only six weeks ahead of the October 13 parliamentary election. PiS enjoys the highest support out of any grouping ahead of the elections, according to a poll released on Wednesday.