"Public Officials Can Enjoy Parties Too" Finnish Women Launch Hashtag Campaign 'Solidarity with the Prime Minister'

Voluntarily Underwent Drug Testing
Two Years Ago, Also Supported 'Hwabo Fashion' Movement

On the 19th (local time), Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin held a press conference in Helsinki after a video of her party scene was leaked. [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Sanna Marin (36), Prime Minister of Finland, who was seen dancing passionately in videos from clubs and parties, has been embroiled in controversies over maintaining dignity and allegations of drug use. In response, Finnish women have launched a hashtag campaign called 'solidaritywithsanna' to support Prime Minister Marin.

On the 20th (local time), according to the British daily The Guardian, a debate has recently erupted in Finland regarding the privacy boundaries of high-ranking public officials. This followed the leak of videos showing Prime Minister Marin dancing passionately at a party attended by about 20 people, including singers, broadcasters, and politicians.

Olavi Uusivirta, a famous Finnish singer who attended the party, stated on social media, "There have been speculations about my relationship with Prime Minister Marin, but I can speak frankly. We are friends, nothing inappropriate happened, and there is no need to publicly comment further on this matter."

The controversy intensified with allegations that Prime Minister Marin used drugs. Claims surfaced that slang for 'cocaine' in Finnish was heard in the video. In response, Prime Minister Marin held a press conference on the 19th, stating, "I have not used drugs, nor have I seen anyone using drugs." She added, "We danced and sang loudly, which was completely legal." She also underwent a drug test to dispel the suspicions, with results expected within a week.

In support, hundreds of Finnish women posted videos of themselves dancing and enjoying parties on social media. They argued that high-ranking officials should be allowed to enjoy their private lives during leisure time and that criticism of Marin is a sexist attack against women.

The hashtag campaign supporting Prime Minister Marin is not new; it also occurred in 2020. It was a backlash against criticism that her fashion photo shoot, published by a fashion magazine, was inappropriate exposure for a high-ranking politician. Thousands of people used the hashtag 'imwithsanna' to show support for Marin's fashion and posted photos of themselves dressed similarly. They voiced that "personal credibility or ability should not be undervalued due to external factors" and that "Marin is being excessively attacked because she is a young female leader."

Meanwhile, Marin was elected as Finland's youngest-ever prime minister in December 2019. A member of Finland's leading Social Democratic Party, she is the country's third female prime minister in history.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.