Sanna Marin always makes the headlines with her casual demeanor. A video of the Finnish Prime Minister celebrating exuberantly is now circulating. In the background, party guests are said to be screaming for cocaine, and white “lines” are also visible. A number of followers are demanding their resignation.
A few weeks ago, Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin wowed audiences with her relaxed demeanor at a rock festival. There was widespread praise online for the “coolest head of government in Europe” after she posted a photo on Instagram in a leather jacket, cropped denim shorts and boots.
Now, however, a private party video by the Finnish head of government caused a stir. In the video, which according to media reports was first published as a story on Instagram, the 36-year-old dances and sings with her friends. Finnish politician Jiri Keronen shared a screenshot of the video, which shows white “lines” in the background. According to media reports, party guests are said to have screamed for cocaine.
“These are private pictures that were not intended for the public,” Sanna Marin commented on the video to the Iltalehti newspaper. “I am sad that they have been released.” She trusted that they would not leak.
The Prime Minister said: “I have nothing to hide and I have not done anything illegal.” At the celebration in private premises a few weeks ago, she drank alcohol but did not use any drugs. With her friends, who include a Finnish influencer, an artist and two moderators, she then moved on to two bars. She spends her free time just like other people her age. “I hope that will be accepted,” Marin told broadcaster Yle. “We live in a democracy.”
Marin has drawn attention to herself several times in the past, for example by attending rock festivals and partying in discos. Opinions differ in Finland on their fondness for parties. While many Finns, especially younger ones, are proud of their exuberant prime minister, there was also criticism online: “That’s not prime minister’s level. You should know how to behave,” commented a user on Twitter.
Finnish sports talk show host Aleksi Valavuori tweeted along with the clip: “This is Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin. Some say she’s cool…maybe teenagers among other things. But a responsible leader for a country in crisis? She is by far the most incompetent PM we’ve ever had. Dunno. Please take your leather jacket and step back. Thank you.”
Another wrote: “This video shows the Prime Minister of Finland at a private party. Finland is suffering from record high electricity prices, a shortage of healthcare and elder care professionals, and this is how our leader is spending her time!” Another user reacted relaxed: “Ok, a young person having fun, so what.”
