Sanna Marin, the prime minister of Finland, made history in 2019 by becoming the nation's youngest-ever leader. Her ability to break out some major dancing skills has since attracted praise and criticism.
Social media footage that was leaked earlier this week and posted there showed 36-year-old Marin dancing with pals at what seemed to be a private party. According to Finnish media, people can be heard shouting about cocaine in the films that were put on Instagram stories, the Associated Press said. The video was shot "a few weeks ago," according to Marin, The Guardian reported.
Members of Marin's opposition party have demanded that she submit to a drug test and make the results public, claiming that her behavior is inappropriate for a prime minister. There is a "shadow of suspicion," according to opposition party leader Riikka Purra, about her activities.
Marin claimed not to have gotten high or taken drugs during the party at a news conference held on Thursday. She declared, "I have danced, sang, celebrated, and done awful things.
Marin continued by expressing her disappointment at the tapes' dissemination. "I believed they wouldn't be publicized since the recordings are private and were released at a private event," Marin added. The fact that they were published "feels awful."
She said that she doesn't think changing her conduct is necessary. The Prime Minister declared, "I am going to be precisely the same person as I have been up till now and I hope that it will be accepted.
Aleksi Valavuori, a Finnish television host, attacked Marin's behavior in the video, stating that it showed the leader's incapacity.
This is the Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin. Some been saying she’s cool... maybe among other teenagers. But a responsible leader for a country in crisis? She is by far the most incompetent PM we ever had. Knows nothing. Please take your leather jacket and resign. Thanks. pic.twitter.com/tHLhdEKEa8
— Aleksi Valavuori (@Valavuori) August 17, 2022
However, a lot of people on social media are also defending Marin's right to party, claiming that criticism of her behavior is unfair and sexist.
Speaking of everyday sexism, Finland is still in the "I saw Goody Marin dancing with the devil" era of misogyny too. Their Prime Minister was dancing at a party with other MPs, but guess who gets criticized.
— Heidi N. Moore (@moorehn) August 18, 2022
https://t.co/BqLhygvbEB
This is blatant sexism and ageism. Finnish PM @MarinSanna is allowed to have a life out of work. The fact anyone would assume she would be on drugs here, is someone who clearly had no life in their younger years. Shame in Int'l media publishing stories about this nonsense. https://t.co/1KUoy7ywux
— Kari Vierimaa (@karivierimaa) August 18, 2022
Not for the first time, Marin's social interactions have drawn criticism. Last December, Marin faced criticism for going out after her colleague tested positive for the coronavirus. They said that she was negligent about taking COVID measures. (There was no rule violation by the prime minister. At the time, Finland did not mandate that those who had had vaccinations isolated after coming into contact with a person who tested positive for the virus.) She also publicly apologized for missing a text message telling her to separate herself because she didn't have her work phone with her.
Due to her propensity for going to events like concerts and parties, Marin has frequently been in the news. In response, she has said, "I have a family life, a job life, and spare time to spend with my friends. The BBC reported that "very much the same as many individuals my age."
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