Partying PM cleared in misconduct probe
Finnish prime minister Sanna Marin has been cleared of misconduct in office following complaints about her alcoholfuelled partying.
Marin, 36, found herself the centre of international attention in August after a video of her dancing wildly with a group of friends.
It later emerged she was seen in a state of apparent intoxication in a nightclub.
Marin apologised for a photo taken in a video conference room at her official residence in which two female friends were kissing in a state of undress.
Members of the public lodged complaints with Tuomas Poysti, the Finnish chancellor of justice, whose role includes monitoring for signs of ministerial misconduct.
Some complained Marin had undermined Finland’s reputation, others that she should have handed over her duties to her deputy while partying, and others that she had misused a government residence for improper purposes.
Poysti said he had found no reason to suspect wrongdoing and no evidence that Marin had neglected her official responsibilities.
His report drew a distinction between Marin’s working hours and her free time. He said there was no evidence that her work was impaired and that ultimately it was for MPs and voters to weigh up the “moral and social aspects” of the case.
The next general election is due before the end of April 2023. Marin is popular but her party is lagging behind rivals in the polls.