After being caught partying in a leaked video, Sanna Marin, the prime minister of Finland, is receiving criticism. She and her companions, who include Finnish celebrities, can be seen dancing and singing in the clip, which is said to have been stolen from social media. Opposition parties have criticized her, and one leader has called on her to submit to a drug test.
Ms. Marin, 36, denied using narcotics, claiming that all she did was drink wine and party “loudly.” Formerly the youngest head of state in the world (the honor is now held by President Gabriel Boric of Chile), Ms. Marin is known for her frequent appearances at music festivals and her love of partying.
She apologized for going out clubbing last year after being in close proximity to a Covid-19 case.
Ms. Marin was been referred to as the “coolest prime minister in the world” by the German news organization Bild.
She acknowledged being filmed in a statement she made on the video on Thursday, but expressed disappointment that it had been made public. “I danced, sang, and partied – perfectly legal things. And I’ve never been in a situation where I’ve seen or known of others [using drugs],” she added.
Riikka Purra, the leader of the opposition party, demanded that Ms. Marin submit to a voluntary drug test since the prime minister was under “doubt.” Additionally, Ms. Marin’s coalition partner MP Mikko Karna tweeted that it “would be wise” for her to “voluntarily submit to a drugs test.”
Ms. Marin expressed to reporters that she had “not used drugs” and had “no trouble passing tests,” indicating that she was receptive to the idea. “I have a family life, I have a work life and I have free time to spend with my friends. Pretty much the same as many people my age,” Ms. Marin said. She continued by saying she had no desire to alter her behavior. The prime minister said she was going to be precisely the same person she has been up till now and she hope that it will be accepted.
The film has received extensive coverage in Finnish media, which supported the use of the clip as being in the public good.
However, other opposition party lawmakers have criticized the media and the prime minister for focusing on partying rather than more pressing domestic issues. Since December 2019, Ms. Marin has been in power, and her party continues to back her.
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