Finland PM Sanna Marin’s partying video draws criticism; Watch

• Sanna Marin, the world’s youngest prime minister, is seen partying in a leaked video.
• Opposition parties have called for her to take a voluntary drug test.
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• The video has received widespread coverage in Finnish media.

Sanna Marin, the Finnish prime minister, is facing criticism after being seen partying in a leaked video.

She and friends, including Finnish celebrities, are seen dancing and singing in the footage, which is thought to have been taken from social media.

Opposition parties have criticized her, with one leader demanding that she submit to a drug test.

Ms Marin, 36, denied using drugs, claiming she only drank alcohol and partied “loudly.”

Ms Marin, the world’s youngest prime minister, is no stranger to partying and has frequently been photographed at music festivals.

She apologised last year for going clubbing after coming into contact with a Covid-19 case.

Ms Marin was recently dubbed the “coolest prime minister in the world” by the German news outlet Bild.

On Thursday, she commented on the video, saying she was aware she was being filmed but was upset that it had become 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, has called for Ms Marin to take a voluntary drug test, saying there is a “shadow of doubt” over the prime minister.

Other opposition party politicians have chastised both the prime minister and the media for focusing on partying rather than more pressing domestic issues.

Ms Marin told reporters: “I have a family life, a professional life, and free time to spend with my friends. The same as many other people my age.”

She also stated that she saw no reason to alter her behavior. “I’m going to be exactly the same person I’ve been up until now, and I hope that’s okay,” she said.

The video has received widespread coverage in Finnish media, which has justified its use as being in the public interest.

Ms Marin has been in power since December 2019 and is still backed by her party.

“The reaction is very typical on all things Marin: polarised,” Finnish political journalist and media commentator Robert Sundman told the reputed news agency.

“There are people saying that it is normal for a woman her age to have fun with her friends and people who are shocked.

“But at least until now one thing is sure: the previous party pictures have not – at least significantly – affected popularity of her or her party.”

Mr Sundman claims that her friendship with Finnish celebrities has gotten a lot of attention, which he says is a significant departure from previous prime ministers.

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