Finland: Bowing To Opposition Demands, PM Sanna Marin Takes Drugs Test After Video Of Her Frenzied Partying Goes Viral

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said on Friday (Aug 19) confirmed that she had taken a drugs test after a video of her frenzied partying went viral on social media and later published by several media outlets in Finland.

Opposition Finns Party leader Riikka Purra called for Marin to take a voluntary drug test. His call was echoed by Mikko Karna of the Center Party, a coalition partner of PM Marin's Social Democrats.

"I have today taken a drug test and the results will come within a week," PM Marin told reporters at her official residence Kesäranta on Saturday afternoon. "Never in my life have I used drugs."

PM Marin added that her ability to perform her duties was remained unimpaired during the night in question and that she would have left the party had she been required to work.

PM Marin also defended herself, saying that her partying in a "boisterous" way was not due to drugs. PM Marin argued she had only drank alcohol and there was no evidence that any illegal substance had been consumed by anyone else in the party.

"I am upset that these videos have become public. It was about me having a night out with friends. Partying -- even in a boisterous way -- dancing and singing," PM Marin clarified.

The controversy erupted after a section of media claimed that a Finnish slang word for cocaine could be heard in one of the clips, while others disputed saying that it was a reference to liquor.

In the leaked footage, spread over multiple clips on Instagram Stories, Marin is seen dancing wildly with several friends, and people are heard in the background shouting about cocaine.

Last year PM Marin apologised for going clubbing after coming into close contact with a Covid-19 case.

In 2019, Sanna Marin, who was then a 34- year old, became the world's youngest prime minister after she was chosen by her party to succeed former leader Antti Rinne who quit after a post office scandal. Marin as emerged as a polarising figure since her ascent to office.

While previous Finnish PMs have maintained low profile, Marin has faced scrutiny over her friendship with Finnish celebrities and frequent partying.

In 2020, Marin posed for the cover of Trendi magazine wearing a blazer, with no shirt underneath. The photoshoot sparked a debate about sexism in the country.