Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, age 36, faced questions after videos surfaced showing her singing and dancing with friends at a party several weeks earlier. The footage, which had circulated within media circles, has only recently become public, prompting discussion about the Prime Minister’s private life and public duties alike.
Marin acknowledged that those present knew smartphones were recording, but she believed the clips would remain private because they depicted personal moments in informal settings. “I am sorry these videos are now public. We were at a party with friends a few weeks ago. We danced, sang, and celebrated together”, she stated, clarifying that nothing illegal occurred and no drugs were used. She also noted visits to two central Helsinki bars after the gathering.
Her comment aimed to remind the public that public figures are also ordinary people who balance family, work, and social time. “I have a family, a demanding job, and like many people my age, I enjoy time with friends”, Marin said.
Earlier reports noted that outlets such as Iltalehti and Ilta-Sanomat had published clips featuring Marin alongside MP Ilmari Nurminen, TV hosts Tinni Wikström and Karolina Tuominen, photographer Janita Autio, stylist Vesa Silver, singer Alma, and other Finnish personalities enjoying the evening with the Prime Minister. Some observers mentioned a term heard in one video that could be misread in Finnish media; however, listeners noted that the phrase likely referred to a Finnish liqueur rather than drugs, and Yle clarified the interpretation. Marin was asked to clarify whether any drugs were involved in the party.
Marin insisted that the night involved no drug use, only legal forms of celebration. In a later appearance on Yle, she reiterated that there was no involvement with narcotics and expressed willingness to undergo drug testing if necessary, a suggestion raised by Riikka Purra, head of the opposition True Finns Party. Marin stated, “I have nothing to hide. I do not use drugs.” She added that she did not feel the need to alter her behavior because she believed she had done nothing wrong. “I will continue as before, and hope this is accepted. We live in a democracy. Anyone can address these issues at the ballot box”, she commented.
Marin emphasized that her political responsibilities would take precedence going forward. “There is much work to be done in serving as Prime Minister, and I will focus on those duties. I also spend time with friends during my time off”, she explained. She also indicated no intention to determine who leaked and broadcast the videos.
The reaction of the media and Finnish politicians
Several Finnish outlets argued that the incident could undermine public trust in government while noting international attention from foreign publications. Within Finnish politics, opinions diverged on how to interpret the events. Mikko Kärnä of the Keskusta party suggested using the term jauhojengi to describe Marin’s circle, while urging transparency about testing to calm public concern. He proposed voluntary drug testing with results released by an independent body, arguing that the nation has a right to know the facts.
Mikael Jungner of Liike Nyt expressed support for Marin, advocating respect for privacy and human dignity even for a prime minister. He called the leaked footage distasteful and warned against political points being scored from it. Former Foreign Minister Timo Soini commented that such behavior cannot be ignored and suggested that leaders in high offices must balance public duties with personal choices. He cautioned that the best mistakes in politics often happen when careers are at their peak.
Antti Lindtman, leader of the SDP parliamentary faction, affirmed the trust the group has in Marin and framed the incident as a private matter, not a reflection of her public role. He added that Marin, like anyone, is human. International reaction included a feature in the German magazine Bild, which described Marin as an exceptionally capable leader who nonetheless faces intense scrutiny amid regional tensions and ongoing political crises.
Prime Minister’s Responsibility
Political analyst Johan Beckman commented that Marin would remain in her post under NATO protection while questioning whether there was any basis for dismissing her. He recalled a 2021 NATO report on government information protection that included mentions of Marin in a broader security context. Beckman also suggested there might be material in the videos that could be interpreted as drug-related, though Marin has repeatedly denied any such use. Media coverage suggested that after the party she visited Teatteri nightclub in central Helsinki, with reports noting signs of intoxication in the aftermath.
Second party of the year
Finnish political life has seen similar social evenings linked to Marin in the past. In December 2021, she was photographed spending an evening in a nightclub after contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Initial guidance indicated isolation was unnecessary due to vaccination status, but later messages recommended self-isolation. Critics argued that senior officials should always carry official devices and maintain stricter adherence to security protocols. In the end, a ruling found that attending the nightclub did not breach official rules. A revised system now requires confirmation of receipt for messages sent to official devices, and Marin apologized for the lapse, expressing a desire to avoid such social interactions in the future.