In Finland, images have leaked showing Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin (36) at a party, dancing and singing with Finnish celebrities. The images have caused a stir after earlier criticism of her party behavior. Marin says in a declaration that the videos were filmed a few weeks ago in a “private atmosphere” and that she thought the videos would remain private. Critics say her behavior is inappropriate for Finland’s leader.

“I am very sorry that these videos were leaked,” Marin said during a Thursday evening press conference. “I spent the evening with my friends and I had a little drink. We partied, danced and sang.” The prime minister added that “everything was legal,” debunking rumors of possible drug use. According to Marin, her security was also nearby during the party. “I have nothing to hide.”

Marin is often criticized for her party behavior. In December last year, for example, she apologized for going to a party while she had been in contact with someone who was found to be infected with the corona virus. Because she had been vaccinated, she was first told not to quarantine, but the prime minister was later advised to go into isolation. She said she had not seen that advice because she had left her work phone at home.

Sanna Marin took office in 2019 as the youngest prime minister in the world and was still relatively unknown to many Finns at the time. She was very successful with her approach to the corona crisis and the war in Ukraine, which also generated a lot of international attention. Asked if the leaking of the videos will affect her future behavior, Marin said: “I’m going to be the exact same person I’ve been until now.”

Also read: Prime Minister of Finland is a popular leader in a time of crisis and change

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