Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin apologized on Tuesday for a controversial photograph taken at her residence. This new controversy comes less than a week after the broadcast of a video in which she is seen partying and which sparked an avalanche of criticism.
The photo, released by Finnish media, shows two women kissing, removing their blouses to reveal their busts and covering their breasts with a “Finland” sign. Sanna Marin confirmed on Tuesday that the photo was taken at her official residence in Kesaranta, after attending a music festival that took place from July 8-10.
“I think the photo is inappropriate, I apologize. This photo should not have been taken,” Sanna Marin told reporters in Helsinki. The Prime Minister explained that at that time there were “friends” in her residence to “spend the afternoon” and “go to the sauna”.
The photograph was first posted on a TikTok account by an influencer and former Miss Finland pageant, who appears in the photo.
New controversy after a drug test
In an editorial on Tuesday, Finland’s largest newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat, said Ms Marin seemed “not in control of a situation where various parties may still have different materials.”
Sanna Marin made headlines last week when a video was leaked showing her dancing and partying with friends and celebrities. Some comments heard in the video were interpreted by some as a reference to narcotics, which was the subject of heated debate on social media and prompted the prime minister to take a drug test on Friday to “allay any suspicion”.
The test was negative, Sanna Marin’s office said Monday. “Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s drug test dated August 19, 2022 did not reveal the presence of drugs,” Marin’s office said in a statement, adding that the results were signed by a doctor.
Support of his party and some Internet users
His dancing was judged by some to be unsuitable for a prime minister, while others defended his right to party with friends in a private setting. On social networks, several women have filmed themselves dancing to express their support.
Until now, Ms. Marin has had the support of her party, the Social Democratic Party (SPD). Antti Lindtman, leader of the SDP group in parliament, told a conference that the prime minister had the group’s support for him. “I don’t see a big problem with her dancing with friends at a private event,” he said.
Sanna Marin has already come under fire for parties at her official residence. In December 2021, Marín had been criticized for having danced until dawn when she was a contact case for Covid-19.
Source: BFM TV
