Key Points
- A video has leaked online of Finland's prime minister partying with friends
- Sanna Marin says she'd have no problem taking a drug test after critics questioned whether she used narcotics
Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin has hit back at critics who have condemned her for acting unprofessionally after a video of her partying and dancing was leaked.
The video has been shared widely on social media and among local media, but was "filmed in private premises", she told reporters on Thursday.
"These videos are private ... I resent that these became known to the public," Ms Marin told reporters.
The video was posted on a private Instagram with a compilation of two parties she had attended a few weeks. She said she does not know how it came to be public.
"We just partied, also in a boisterous way. I danced and sang," Ms Marin said.
But she said she spends her free time with friends just like others her age and that she intends to continue being the same person as before.
"I have a family life, I have a work life, and I have free time to spend with my friends. I’m pretty sure that’s the same as many people my age.
"I hope that's accepted. We live in a democracy and in elections, everyone can decide these issues."
MP Mikko Kärnä, a member of the Centre Party that is part of Ms Marin's coalition government, said in a tweet that "it would be wise" for the leader to "voluntarily undergo a drugs test".
The prime minister said that alcohol was consumed at the party, but denied taking drugs or witnessing drug use by any attendees.
"I have nothing to hide. I have not used drugs and therefore I have no problem taking tests," she said.
Ms Marin - who in December 2019 became Finland's youngest prime minister - has also received support from many people who have defended her right to enjoy a private event with friends.
She has the support of her Social Democratic Party. Antti Lindtman, head of the party's parliamentary group, told media he "can't see any major problem with dancing at a private event with friends".
Whether Ms Marin should take a drug test, is "a matter for the prime minister's own assessment," he continued.
Ms Marin — — has previously been the target of criticism over parties at her official residence.
In December 2021, Ms Marin came under sustained criticism after it was revealed .
A poll commissioned by Finnish TV channel MTV3 at the time found that two-thirds of respondents thought Ms Marin's night out was a "serious mistake".
With Reuters and AAP
