The Finnish Prime Minister’s celebration video causes a backlash
HELSINKI: Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin is facing a backlash after being seen partying in a leaked video, the BBC reported on Thursday.
In videos taken from social media, he and his friends, including Finnish celebrities, are seen dancing and singing. He has faced criticism from opposition parties, with one leader demanding that he take a drug test. Marin, 36, denied taking drugs and said he only drank alcohol and just partied “wildly”.
Formerly the world’s youngest head of government – a title now held by Chilean President Gabriel Boric – Marin makes no secret of her partying and has often been photographed at music festivals.
Last year, he apologized for going to the club after coming into close contact with a Covid-19 case. Just last week, the German news magazine Bild called Marin “the world’s coolest prime minister.”
Commenting on the video on Thursday, he said he knew he was being filmed but was shocked that the video had become public. “I danced, sang and partied – perfectly legal things. And I’ve never been in a situation where I saw or felt other [using drugs],” he added.
The leader of the opposition party, Riikka Purra, demanded a voluntary drug test for Marin, saying that there was a “shadow of suspicion” hanging over the prime minister. And Mikko Karna, a centrist member of parliament in Marini’s coalition government, tweeted that it “would be wise” for him to “voluntarily undergo a drug test”.
Ms. Marin appeared open to the suggestion, telling reporters that she “had not taken drugs” and had “no problems doing the tests.” “I have a family life, I have a work life and I have free time with my friends. Almost the same as a lot of people my age, Marin said.
He added that he did not think there was any need to change his behavior. “I am going to be exactly the same person I have been until now and I hope that will be accepted,” the Prime Minister added.
There has been extensive coverage of the video in the Finnish media – which justified the use of the material as being in the public interest. But other opposition politicians have criticized both the Prime Minister and the media for talking about the celebrations – rather than more important domestic issues.
Marin has been in power since December 2019 and retains the support of his party. He comes from a humble background. His parents divorced when he was young, and during his early years he was raised by his mother alone.
“The reaction is very typical in all Marini matters: polarized,” Finnish political journalist and media commentator Robert Sundman told the BBC. – Some say it’s normal for a woman her age to have fun with her friends and upset people.
“But at least for now, one thing is certain: the previous party photos have not – at least significantly – affected the popularity of his party.” In the new video, Marin celebrates alongside Finnish singer Alma, rapper Petri Nygard and TV presenter Tinni Wikstrom. Several other celebrities and members of parliament from his social democratic party also arrived.
Last week, the Prime Minister was praised for his style when he was photographed together with the influential photographer Janita Autio, who appeared in the video, at a music festival in Helsinki.