Finnish prime minister sparks controversy after video leaks of partygoers shouting ‘cocaine’

By Burcu Yagci

ANKARA (AA) - Leaked videos sparked controversy Thursday after they showed Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin dancing and singing with friends, and others in the crowd shouting "cocaine."

Marin was accompanied by MP Ilmari Nurminen and media presenter Tinni Wikstrom, according to the Iltalehti newspaper.

The prime minister was invited to submit to a drug test and make the results public by Finnish MP Mikko Karna, a member of the Center Party, a coalition partner.

“This is something that the people have a right to anticipate from their prime minister,” Karna wrote on Twitter.

But Marin refuted claims she was doing narcotics and said at a news conference that she had nothing to hide.

She admitted that she did not drink much, saying, "I got up and sang and danced. There was nothing illegal that I did.”

"The fact that the tapes were recorded at a private event gave me confidence that they wouldn't be made public. The fact that they were let go makes me feel horrible," she added.

The social media debate was ignited by the release of the images. While some chastised Marin for reckless behavior, others claimed it increased her appeal.