A leaked video has shown Finnish PM Sanna Marin dance and strike a few poses at a party, sparking controversy on social media about her leadership qualities. While some opposition politicians have called her judgement into question, others have praised her chique style – and defended her right to party. This is not the first time that Marin – a vivacious young woman who stands in stark contrast to the general image of seasoned politicians – has been associated with clubbing. In December 2021, she was filmed in a nightclub, which caused controversy about whether or not she should have been self-isolating as a result of a Covid contact.

But the real question is, could Micheál Martin or Liz Truss twirl like her?

The newly leaked video, a compilation of since-deleted Instagram clips, was first shared by Finnish tabloid Iltalehti and shows the 36-year-old drinking and dancing in a private environment. Other guests at the event, which took place "a few weeks ago" according to Marin, include two well-known TV and radio hosts, a social media influencer, a YouTuber, a stylist, Finnish singer and songwriter Alma and an MP from Marin’s Social Democratic party. And inevitably, there have been attempts to smear the Prime Minister with accusations that drugs may have been used at the party being bandied about by the opposition and on social media.

"I spent the evening with my friends, partied, even in a rowdy way, danced and sang," Marin told reporters, adding that she was "upset" that the video, which she had expected to remain private, had been leaked. She also denied accusations that cocaine or amphetamines were used at the party, as alleged by Finnish media.

"I myself have not used drugs, nor anything other than alcohol,” she said. "Nor have I been in such a situation that I would have seen or known others [using drugs]. I was dancing, singing, partying … hugging my friends, doing totally legal things."

Marin, who became Prime Minister in 2019 at age 34, emphasised that she had nothing "to conceal or hide" and would continue to be "the same person as I have been until now… I have free time that I spend with my friends. I’m pretty sure that’s the same as many people my age" (as translated by the Guardian).

She added that she was willing to take a drugs test if necessary, although it is "quite unusual that something like this is required."

While other European leaders like Micheál Martin, or the likely new British Prime Minister Liz Truss – who is battling for the leadership of the Conservative Party with Rishi Sunak – have not yet been seen on the same sort of dance-floor, Martin commented on the easing of lockdown restrictions last fall, saying that "what traditionally happens in a nightclub will happen in a nightclub." He did not, however, specify exactly what that might entail, thereby leaving it up to our collective imagination. We are still trying to imagine Micheál sharing the floor with Marin, but the picture somehow doesn't seem to gel.

Maybe time will tell and both Martin and Truss will emerge as proper Dancing With The Stars material. Or else, the current incumbents at No.10 Downing Street might be able to share some advice on partying. As we know, they have plenty of experience...

Watch the video of Finnish PM Sanna Marin dancing (really well, may I add) below. Credit: The Telegraph