Fight for your right to party: leaked video of Finnish PM sparks debate

A leaked video of Sanna Marin dancing exuberantly has sparked controversy in Finland, with critics of the 36-year-old prime minister accusing her of inappropriate behaviour and supporters praising her style and defending her right to party.

- Jon Henley

The video, first published by the tabloid Iltalehti and compiled from several since-deleted Instagram clips, shows the country’s youngest ever leader dancing enthusiastically and drinking with friends, apparently in a private apartment.

Others identified in the footage, which Marin yesterday acknowledged was genuine and said was filmed “a few weeks ago”, include two well-known TV and radio hosts, a social media influencer, a YouTuber, a stylist, the singer Alma, and an MP from Marin’s Social Democratic party.

Marin told reporters she was “upset” the clips, which she knew were being filmed but had believed would remain private, had been leaked. “I spent the evening with my friends, partied, even in a rowdy way, danced and sang,” she said.

Finnish media alleged a voice in the background could be heard shouting “the flour gang”, supposedly a reference to cocaine or amphetamines. Marin and several commentators denied this was the term used, however, and Marin said she did not know what it meant.