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Finnish prime minister Sanna Marin marries partner of 16 years

Minttu Saarni/Finnish Prime Minister's Office via AP
Minttu Saarni/Finnish Prime Minister's Office via AP

The Finnish prime minister Sanna Marin has married her partner of 16 years, Finnish football player Markus Raikkonen.

On Sunday 2 August, the prime minister of Finland shared two photographs on Instagram to reveal she and her long-time partner had exchanged their vows.

The bride wore a satin gown by Finnish fashion label Anniruth, while the groom, who shared the same pictures on the social media platform, was dressed in a black tux.

The Finnish government shared a congratulatory message on Twitter for the newlywed couple, whose nuptials took place on Saturday 1 August.

The ceremony was held in Kesaranta, the official residence of the Finnish prime minister.

The couple, who have a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter together, were joined by their family and closest friends to celebrate their special day.

The wedding pictures were captured by Mint Saarn, a photographer based in Helsinki.

The photographer expressed her gratitude for being chosen to capture Marin and Raikkonen’s wedding, stating on Instagram that it was “a great honour”.

In December 2019, 34-year-old Marin became the world’s youngest sitting head of government when she became the prime minister of Finland.

Finnish prime minister Sanna Marin and her new husband Markus Raikkonen after their wedding at the PM’s official residence Kesaranta in Helsinki, Finland (Minttu Saarni/Finnish Prime Minister’s Office via AP)
Finnish prime minister Sanna Marin and her new husband Markus Raikkonen after their wedding at the PM’s official residence Kesaranta in Helsinki, Finland (Minttu Saarni/Finnish Prime Minister’s Office via AP)

The politician became the youngest prime minister in Finland’s history upon her appointment, in addition to the country’s third ever female premier.

Marin has been a member of the Parliament of Finland since 2015 and is a member of the Social Democratic Party, a centre-left party.

When she became prime minister, it was announced that Finland’s coalition government would be comprised of five parties all led by women.

Former prime minister Alexander Stubb said the coalition “shows that Finland is a modern and progressive country”.

Finnish MP Tytti Tuppurainen described Marin as “eminently good” as she succeeded Antti Rinne to become prime minister.

In February this year, it was reported that fathers in Finland would receive the same amount of fully paid parental leave as mothers.

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