Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin was exonerated on Friday in an official investigation of allegations of misconduct and negligence. The decision could put an end to the crisis in which the prime minister was plunged after the leak of video that showed the 36-year-old Social Democrat dancing with influencers and artists at a private party in August.
The case generated criticism, some with misogynistic content, from the opposition and some media, who suggested that such conduct was incompatible with his position.
Investigations conducted by Finnish Chancellor of Justice Tuomas Pöysti, however, concluded that Sanna Marin at no time neglected her responsibilities. He acts as a kind of prosecutor of the Republic and is in charge of overseeing the legality of government actions.
The verdict, favorable to the prime minister, was presented this Friday. “There is no reason to suspect that the prime minister engaged in unlawful conduct in the performance of her duties or any negligence in her official responsibilities,” Pöysti wrote in the ruling.
In addition to criticism of what would be inappropriate behavior for a prime minister, Sanna Marin was accused of having harmed Finland’s “reputation and security”, which was also rejected by the Chancellor of Justice. Pöysti said the complaints did not detail what official duty the prime minister allegedly failed to perform or what tasks she was unable to perform.
The video of Marin partying circulated on social media in August and was soon published by various media outlets at home and abroad. At a time when Europe is experiencing instability in different layers with the Ukrainian War, she has had to face the assessment that her parties could interfere with her ability to quickly fulfill her duties if a sudden crisis hits Finland.
The episode shook the prime minister, who came to defend in an emotional tone her “right to joy and life”, in response to the wave of criticism. Marin also felt obliged to say that he never used illegal drugs — not even when he was younger, before entering politics — and that his ability to perform official duties remained intact on the nights in question.
To corroborate the statement, the prime minister underwent a drug detection test, which was negative. Marin, who became the world’s youngest government leader in December 2019, agreed to take the test after requests from members of her governing coalition and the opposition. The Social Democrat leader also said that she did not see anyone using drugs at the party she attended.
While many praised her for balancing a demanding job with an active private life, others questioned her decision to allow herself to film, albeit with a promise that the videos would not be released. Some of the criticism was misogynistic, with netizens and media outlets highlighting the fact that Marin is married and using foul words to refer to the prime minister.
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