Finland’s prime minister Sanna Marin has found herself at the centre of controversy, after footage of her dancing and partying leaked online.
Marin, who in December 2019 became the world’s youngest prime minister, is seen in the footage dancing and striking poses alongside friends, including TV and radio hosts, a social media influencer, artists, and another MP from Marin’s Social Democratic Party.
On Thursday, Marin addressed the leaked video, saying she attended the party several weeks ago at a private residence. She also noted that she was unhappy the video had emerged publicly.
“These videos are private,” Marin said. “They were recorded in private premises. I am displeased that they have been published. What they are about is that I was spending an evening with friends, partying, admittedly boisterously, dancing and singing.”
Marin also said as prime minister, she wants to be “the same person as I have been until now”, and hopes that can be accepted.
“I have a family life, I have a work life, and I have free time to spend with my friends. I’m pretty sure that’s the same as many people my age.”
While the footage has seen Marin’s supporters defend her right to attend parties and socialise with friends, some parts of the media have accused her of unsuitable behaviour.
One Finnish MP, Mikko Kärnä, has suggested Marin should undergo a voluntary drug test, but Marin has insisted there were no illegal drugs at the party, only alcohol.
“I have nothing to hide,” she told reporters. “I haven’t used drugs, so it’s not a problem to go for a test. But I also think it’s quite unusual that something like this is required.”
As prime minister, Marin has been praised for her five-party coalition government’s handling of the pandemic, for its ambitious climate policies, and how it has dealt with Russia’s war on Ukraine.
This year, Marin has spearheaded Finland’s move away from neutrality and pursued its application for NATO membership. “Promoting the rules-based world order, human rights and peace are the cornerstones of Finland’s foreign policy,” she said in May.