HELSINKI: Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin apologized on Tuesday (August 23) for a controversial photo taken at her residence, less than a week after the 36-year-old sparked criticism with a video of her party.
The photo released by Finnish media shows two women kissing, lifting their tops to reveal their chests and covering their breasts with a sign reading “Finland”.
Marin confirmed on Tuesday that the photo was taken at his official residence in Kesaranta, after attending a music festival which ran from July 8-10.
“I think the photo is not appropriate, I apologize for that. Such a photo should not have been taken,” Marin told reporters in Helsinki.
Marin said she had “friends” at her house at the time “hanging out at night” and “going to the sauna.”
The photo was first posted on a TikTok account by a former Miss Finland contestant and social media influencer, who appears in the photo.
An editorial in the Nordic country’s biggest newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat, said on Tuesday that Marin did not appear to be “in control” and that more photos and videos from his private life could end up in the public domain.
Marin made headlines around the world last week when a video surfaced showing her dancing and partying with a group of friends and celebrities.
Some interpreted the comments heard on the video as referring to narcotics, which was the subject of much debate on social media and which she strongly denied.
Stimulated by the controversy, Marin took a drug test on Friday to “dispel suspicion”.
His urine sample was tested for the presence of various drugs. It came back negative.
“The drug test carried out with Prime Minister Sanna Marin on August 19, 2022 did not reveal the presence of drugs,” Marin’s office said on Monday, adding that the results were signed by a doctor.
His dancing in the video was also criticized by some as inappropriate behavior for a prime minister, while others defended his right to enjoy a private event with friends.
So far, Marin has had the support of his party, Antti Lindtman, leader of the Social Democratic Party’s parliamentary group, telling the media that he “sees no major problem dancing at a private event with friends “.
Marin – who was nominated in 2019 at the age of 34 – has previously faced criticism over parties at her official residence.
In December 2021, she faced sustained criticism after it was revealed that she had stayed dancing until the early hours despite her exposure to COVID-19.