- by cnn
- 17 Apr 2024
Leaked video of Sanna Marin dancing exuberantly has sparked controversy in Finland, with critics of the 36-year-old prime minister accusing her of inappropriate behaviour and supporters praising her style and defending her right to party.
The video, first published by the tabloid Iltalehti and compiled from several since-deleted Instagram clips, shows Finland's youngest ever leader dancing enthusiastically and drinking with friends, apparently in a private apartment.
Other guests identified in the footage, which Marin on Thursday acknowledged was genuine and said was filmed "a few weeks ago", include two well-known TV and radio hosts, a social media influencer, a YouTuber, a stylist, the singer Alma and an MP from Marin's Social Democratic party.
Marin told reporters she was "upset" that the clips, which she knew were being filmed but had believed would remain private, had been leaked. "I spent the evening with my friends, partied, even in a rowdy way, danced and sang," she said.
Finnish media alleged a voice in the background could be heard shouting "the flour gang", supposedly a reference to cocaine or amphetamines. Marin and other commentators denied this was the term used, however, and she said she did not know what it meant.
Iltalehti columnist Lauri Nurmi said the situation was "serious" for Marin. "It goes without saying that the prime minister of Finland cannot be present at parties where narcotics prohibited by the criminal code are openly consumed," he said.
Marin responded that she was willing to take a drugs test if necessary. "I have nothing to hide," she repeated to reporters later on Thursday. "I haven't used drugs, so it's not a problem to go for a tests. But I also think it's quite unusual that something like this is required."
Premier announces changes to long-delayed project
read more