Finland: Following the release of video this week showing her partying with friends, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin claimed on Friday that she had taken a drug test and swore she had never used illegal drugs. Additionally, Marin, 36, claimed that on the disputed Saturday night, her capacity to carry out her official responsibilities was unaffected, and that if she had been required to work, she would have left the party.
This week, videos of Marin having a good time with well-known Finnish influencers and artists started circulating on social media. Shortly after, both domestic and international media outlets published the videos. At a press conference, Marin stated, "In recent days, there have been quite serious public accusations that I either used drugs or was present in an environment where they were used.
I have taken a drug test today; the results will be available in about a week. Although I believe the demand for a drug test is unjust, I did so for my own legal protection and to dispel any lingering questions.
After the videos surfaced, Marin, who took office as the world's youngest leader of a government in December 2019, received requests to submit to a drug test from both the opposition and members of her ruling coalition. Leader of the Social Democrats Marin claimed she had never used drugs and had not observed anyone doing so at the event she had attended.
A lot of people have praised Marin for juggling her demanding job with an active personal life, but others have criticised her for agreeing to be filmed despite being assured that the videos wouldn't be made public.
Marin has also come under fire for her excessive partying, which some have claimed could hinder her ability to act swiftly if a sudden crisis struck Finland at a time when Europe has been unsettled by Russia's conflict in Ukraine. She assured reporters that the Finnish armed forces were well prepared to foresee any military crisis that might affect the nation, adding that she would be informed of any crisis situation before midnight on a Saturday night.
Following the conflict in Ukraine, Finland and neighbouring Sweden both submitted applications to join NATO. Finland and Russia share a lengthy land border.
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