Finland: Sanna Marin presents her autobiography
Sanna Marin, prime minister of Finland from 2019 to 2023, has presented her autobiography entitled Hope in Action - A Memoir About The Courage To Lead. In it, the 40-year-old recounts among other things how she and other female members of the government were confronted with misogyny and sexism. Commentators share their impressions.
Taking the easy way out
There are a few memory gaps in this autobiography, journalist Linda Jerneck points out in Expressen:
“Her term in office was also marked by scandals – some were just storms in a teacup, others were more serious. Such as when the prime minister hosted a party at the Villa Bjälbo and her friends took nude photos in the government press room. Marin tries to convey the impression that the outrage is due to her being young and a woman and not fitting the typical mould of a politician. But that's taking the easy way out. And Marin doesn't devote a single word to the biggest scandal - the Uniper affair. A deal that cost the state-owned company Fortum some six billion euros doesn't fit into her narrative according to which all the criticism of her is based on sexism.”
A resolute leader
Marin's story is all the more inspiring because she doesn't present herself as a victim, Helsingin Sanomat notes:
“Marin's book conveys to international readers the image of a young woman who shakes up the institution of prime minister and only wants to dance with girls and gays at wild but innocent parties. ... But vis-à-vis the Finnish media she comes across as a determined and even authoritarian political leader who seems to have no problem handling the office of prime minister and the pressure that comes with it. ... Sanna Marin didn't always fit the typical mould for young women because she took power with resolve, engaged boldly in political games, refused to tone down her message and was unapologetic. This is not a touching bedtime story, but it is inspiring.”
Successful on the international stage
The New Statesman underscores Marin's international success:
“The lasting achievement of her government was not only joining Nato ... but also coordinating with Sweden so that the remaining Nordic states applied to join the alliance together. ... She lost the 2023 election ... because the Finnish people were more interested in public borrowing, which had risen rapidly under her government, than being led by an Inspiring Solver of International Challenges. The Nordic welfare model, which gave Marin the education and opportunity to run her country, remains the first priority of Finnish voters.”