Hungary: PM's High Grant impersonation boosts campaign

A short video showing Hungary’s prime minister impersonating Hugh Grant could boost his chances of winning April’s parliamentary elections, analysts said today.

In a 45-second video clip available on the internet, Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany imitates a scene from the 2003 film Love Actually in which Grant, playing the British prime minister, dances around 10 Downing Street to the tune of Jump (For My Love) by Girls Aloud.

Gyurcsany made the clip last summer as a wedding present to government spokesman Andras Batiz.

Analysts said the clip, along with his internet diary, or blog, was a clear attempt by Gyurcsany to appeal to younger voters and help lighten his image.

The two rounds of parliamentary elections will be held on April 9 and 23.

Recent polls show the Socialists having cut Fidesz’s lead from more than 10 points to around three points.