Helsinki After criticism in connection with a private party, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said she carried out a drug test. The result is expected in about a week. “I’ve never used drugs in my life, not even as a teenager,” Marin told journalists on Friday. “I really wish people wouldn’t say these things without evidence.”
A video was released on Thursday showing the head of government celebrating, dancing and singing with friends. Some Finnish journalists claim to have heard statements about drugs in the video. Marin said she drank alcohol that night but was unaware that drugs were being used. “I haven’t done anything illegal,” she said.
The video has sparked a debate in Finland, especially on social media, about the Prime Minister’s public appearances. It is also about the question of whether the Prime Minister should have had a representative during the party a few weeks ago.
“The prime minister is allowed to get drunk”
Shortly before, Marin said she had returned early from her vacation for an appointment. Therefore, according to the Finnish government, no representation was planned on the day in question.
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Marin emphasized that she had no foreseeable appointments that weekend and was also available during the party. “Meetings are not convened in the middle of the night,” said the social democrat on Friday. If it had been necessary, she could have left the party and worked at any time.
“What’s the alternative to politicians like @MarinSanna? People without joy in life? Please do not!” Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann
Many of her compatriots reacted calmly to the behavior of their prime minister. “The prime minister is allowed to get drunk,” Elli Kojola from the Finnish city of Tampere told radio station Yle. “But she also has to be careful how she presents herself. Somebody always sees you.” Marin said Friday she’s had “a lot of encouraging messages” from people.
Federal Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann (FDP) expressed understanding for the Finnish head of government on Twitter on Friday. “What’s the alternative to politicians like @MarinSanna? People without joy in life? Please don’t!” he wrote there.
More: Whirlwind around party video from Finland’s Prime Minister – “I partied, pretty wild, yes”