Felicia Roberts

The Finish Prime Minister has been accused of putting her social life ahead of her duties to the nation amidst controversy prompted by leaked video of Marin partying with friends.

Controversy

In December 2021, Sanna Marin, 36, had to apologise for going clubbing with friends at a Helsinki nightclub, just hours after being in contact with her foreign minister who had tested positive for COVID-19. Marin was originally told that she did not have to isolate as she had been fully vaccinated. However, after leaving without her official phone, she did not see the text message ordering her to self-isolate until returning home.

After seeing the text message the next day, she took a COVID test immediately, but critics questioned the politician’s judgement for not isolating until testing negative beforehand.

Finland’s COVID-19 guidelines state that once double jabbed there is no need to isolate after coming in close contact with the virus, although, it is advised to avoid social contact until taking a test.

Initially, Marin defended her actions, explaining she took the advice of her Secretary of State, only to retract this statement later on by posting an apology on Facebook, admitting she should have double-checked guidance and used better judgment.

History repeating itself 

A similar controversy emerged in August 2022 when a video of Marin dancing with friends and celebrities in a private area made it into the public eye, although this time no one had tested positive for or been in contact with COVID-19.

During a news conference, Marin was met with concerns that she had taken drugs and there were demands that she take a test to prove her innocence. She told reporters that she had taken a drug test to lay rumours to rest, although she thought it unjust and denied ever taking drugs, saying “Even in my teenage years I have not used any kind of drugs.”

Women supporting women

After the Finish Prime Minister came under fire for dancing in a nightclub with friends, women have been taking to social media to keep the party going. Questions as to whether politicians should have to give up their social life and party habits have been raised. 

Although the controversy has ignited debate on how a PM should behave, some have pointed out the fact that this is not the first time Marin has been criticised for just living her life, having fun, and going to music festivals.

Women from around the world are showing support for the Prime Minister on social media in a fun and light hearted way, by posting videos of themselves dancing, along with the hashtag #SolidarityWithSanna:

@evticka

#solidaritywithsanna Let girls have fun ✨ We deserve it! #fyp #foryou #foryourpage #slovakfolklore #slovakia #slovak #slovensko

♬ original sound – Eva Lukacova

Many people have used social media to point out the discriminatory double standards that Marin had to endure, yet other world leaders do not.

These social media posts show that Marin is a political leader advocating for a work-life balance by de-stressing through partying on days off, despite showing her capability in leading a country. However, since these leaks, others have begun questioning her political abilities.

Featured image by Kelsey Chance on Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image license can be found here.

25, Fashion Design Graduate at Liverpool John Moores

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