HELSINKI: Finland’s prime minister Sanna Marin apologised on Tuesday for a controversial photo taken at her residence, less than a week after the 36-year-old sparked criticism with a video of her partying.

The picture circulated by Finnish media shows two women kissing, lifting their tops to bare their torsos and covering their breasts with a sign that says “Finland”.

Marin confirmed on Tuesday the picture was taken at her official residence in Kesaranta, after she attended a music festival that took place July 8-10. “I think the picture is not appropriate, I apologise for it. Such a picture should not have been taken,” Marin told reporters in Helsinki.

Marin said she had “friends” at her residence at the time “spending the evening” and “going to the sauna.” The picture was first published on a TikTok account by a former Miss Finland contestant and social media influencer, who appears in the photo.

An editorial in the Nordic country’s largest newspaper Helsingin Sanomat on Tuesday said Marin did not appear to be “in control”, and more pictures and videos from her private life could end up in the public domain.

Marin made headlines across the world last week when a video surfaced showing her dancing and partying with a group of friends and celebrities.

Published in Dawn, August 24th, 2022