https://www.scmp.com/rss/518117/feed The latest news on Sanna Marin, Finnish former politician and former Prime Minister of Finland, including political news and updates. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, revealed in a tweet on Thursday his engagement to partner Jodie Haydon. “She said yes,” the 60-year-old Albanese posted to social media platform X, alongside a love-heart emoji. Beneath the announcement, he posted a selfie, reportedly taken on Valentine’s Day, of the pair smiling into the lens. Haydon is dressed in emerald green and has her hand resting on his chest, an engagement ring visible on her finger. She said yes ❤️... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3251993/australias-prime-minister-anthony-albanese-announces-engagement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3251993/australias-prime-minister-anthony-albanese-announces-engagement?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:56:57 +0000 Finland’s prime minister said on Tuesday the country will shut its last border crossing with Russia, following an influx of migrants which Helsinki claims is a hybrid attack orchestrated by Moscow. Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said the closure would come into effect overnight between Wednesday and Thursday and last until December 13. The Nordic country, which shares a 1,340km (830-mile) border with Russia, has seen a surge in undocumented migrants from third countries seek asylum on its... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3243160/finland-shutting-last-border-crossing-russia-amid-migrant-surge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3243160/finland-shutting-last-border-crossing-russia-amid-migrant-surge?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Nov 2023 18:15:07 +0000 In real life and in her new novel, the iconic Spice Girl is all about the power of connection. Only three minutes have passed since Geri Halliwell-Horner appeared on my computer screen, but that’s all it takes for us to find a groove. The famous redhead, 51, slides into easy chitchat about her six-year-old son’s fascination with the Titanic, evidenced by the Lego model of the doomed ship that sits behind her in frame. She asks for details about my parents and where I grew up; she wonders if I’m... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3237307/geri-halliwell-horners-journey-ginger-spice-novelist-wannabe-singer-her-new-novel-rosie-frost-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3237307/geri-halliwell-horners-journey-ginger-spice-novelist-wannabe-singer-her-new-novel-rosie-frost-and?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Oct 2023 22:00:09 +0000 Following successful shows in fashion capitals New York, London and Milan, Paris Fashion Week for the spring/summer 2024 season concluded on a resounding high, boasting a line-up of powerhouses such as Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and many more. We’re clearly in the era of the celebrity brand ambassador, and that’s most obvious during fashion weeks. Paris was no exception: each show teemed with star-studded guest lists, with A-listers dressed to the nines while gracing the front row. Read on for... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3237067/styles-18-fave-celebrity-looks-paris-fashion-week-ss24-blackpinks-jennies-chanel-fit-and-jisoos-dior?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3237067/styles-18-fave-celebrity-looks-paris-fashion-week-ss24-blackpinks-jennies-chanel-fit-and-jisoos-dior?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Oct 2023 23:00:16 +0000 David Beckham is one of the most famous and revered football players of all time. Across his two-decade-long professional career, Beckham won league titles in four different countries and made over 100 appearances for England. And now, his life and legacy have been immortalised in his new Netflix docuseries, Beckham. From humble beginnings to global superstardom, here’s a look back at the star’s glittering football career in 15 photos. 1. David Beckham joined Manchester United in 1991 Despite... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3237068/15-david-beckhams-most-career-defining-moments-football-history-his-early-days-manchester-united-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3237068/15-david-beckhams-most-career-defining-moments-football-history-his-early-days-manchester-united-and?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Oct 2023 22:00:15 +0000 Beckham, the anticipated four-part docuseries outlining the family patriarch’s life and career, just debuted on Netflix this week. To celebrate the show’s release, the Becks clan arrived at the London premiere to show support for their famous footballer dad David. David and Victoria Beckham are parents to four children – Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper. Brooklyn’s wife Nicola Peltz and Romeo’s girlfriend Mia Regan also showed up for the screening. Speaking with Singapore Women’s Weekly, David,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3236919/beyond-netflix-who-are-david-and-victoria-beckhams-4-kids-brooklyn-runs-facebook-cooking-show-romeo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3236919/beyond-netflix-who-are-david-and-victoria-beckhams-4-kids-brooklyn-runs-facebook-cooking-show-romeo?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Oct 2023 12:00:13 +0000 Faye Bradley Faye Bradley How often do you come across a former world leader at a fashion event? Not very often at all. But Sanna Marin is changing that. A few days ago, the ex-PM of Finland arrived at Paris Fashion Week 2023 to show her support for Victoria Beckham’s runway event in the capital of France, where she also took selfies with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, as reported by British media. The fashion icon delighted her followers - all one million of them on Instagram - with a series of pics from her... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3236742/sanna-marins-fabulous-post-prime-minister-lifestyle-finnish-millennial-went-victoria-beckhams-show?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3236742/sanna-marins-fabulous-post-prime-minister-lifestyle-finnish-millennial-went-victoria-beckhams-show?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:00:08 +0000 Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell’s unexplained freezeup while speaking in Congress this week is the latest reminder that America’s most powerful political leaders are much older than many in other democracies. Joe Biden, 80, is the oldest US president to ever serve in the White House, and nearly two decades older than the median age of the world’s national leaders, 62, Pew Research found. While Biden is younger than 89-year-old President Paul Biya of Cameroon, the world’s oldest head of... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3229225/mitch-mcconnell-joe-biden-lapses-highlight-advanced-age-americas-leaders?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3229225/mitch-mcconnell-joe-biden-lapses-highlight-advanced-age-americas-leaders?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Jul 2023 05:29:14 +0000 Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin, set to leave office after losing a general election, announced Wednesday that she and her husband have filed for divorce. “We have filed for divorce together. We are grateful for the 19 years together,” Marin said in an Instagram story. She added that she is “still best friends” with her partner Markus Raikkonen, who shared the announcement on his own Instagram profile. The pair have a five-year-old daughter and Marin said that “we will continue to spend... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3220128/finlands-prime-minister-sanna-marin-files-divorce?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3220128/finlands-prime-minister-sanna-marin-files-divorce?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 May 2023 20:31:28 +0000 Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday that Finland will become the 31st member of the world’s biggest military alliance on Tuesday, prompting a warning from Russia that it would bolster its defences near their joint border if Nato deploys any troops in its new member. “This is a historic week,” Stoltenberg told reporters on the eve of a meeting of Nato foreign ministers in Brussels. “From tomorrow, Finland will be a full member of the alliance.” He said that he hopes Sweden will... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3215878/finland-readies-join-nato-moscow-vows-boost-defences-joint-border-if-bloc-deploys-troops-newest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3215878/finland-readies-join-nato-moscow-vows-boost-defences-joint-border-if-bloc-deploys-troops-newest?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Apr 2023 13:11:41 +0000 Finland’s left-wing Prime Minister Sanna Marin conceded defeat on Sunday in the Nordic country’s parliamentary election as the opposition right-wing National Coalition Party (NCP) claimed victory in a tightly fought contest. The pro-business NCP was expected to win 48 of the 200 seats in parliament, narrowly ahead of the nationalist Finns Party with 46 seats and Marin’s Social Democrats on 43 seats, justice ministry election data showed with all ballots counted. “We got the biggest mandate,” NCP... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3215774/finlands-centre-right-leader-petteri-orpo-claims-election-victory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3215774/finlands-centre-right-leader-petteri-orpo-claims-election-victory?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Apr 2023 20:28:53 +0000 Everyone is wearing the perfume of hope that a new year brings. This year was once new, and the moments of joy, sorrow and disbelief made it what it was. Through these 365 days, individuals, leaders and society spoke in ways that left a mark on the year. Here are 13 memorable quotations. “Thoughts and prayers”. More than 600 mass shootings occurred in America in 2022. Instead of amending gun laws and curbing their bigoted rhetoric to protect American lives, Republican politicians sent their... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3204770/politics-pandemic-protests-13-reasons-2022-was-year-remember?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3204770/politics-pandemic-protests-13-reasons-2022-was-year-remember?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Dec 2022 19:30:08 +0000 Asean members want a free-trade deal with Europe rather than handouts, and do not want to be a pawn in great-power rivalries, its leaders said in Brussels on Wednesday. After the first-ever leaders summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the European Union concluded, the Asian side left complaining that talks concerning a bloc-to-bloc trade deal were no closer to being relaunched. There is reluctance in Brussels about discussing such a pact with a group that includes a... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3203343/summit-eu-announces-eu10-billion-package-frustrated-asean-leaders-seek-trade-pact?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3203343/summit-eu-announces-eu10-billion-package-frustrated-asean-leaders-seek-trade-pact?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Dec 2022 20:30:26 +0000 The long border between Finland and Russia runs through thick forests and is marked only by wooden posts with low fences meant to stop stray cattle. Soon, a stronger, higher fence will be erected on parts of the frontier. Earlier this month, Polish soldiers began laying coils of razor wire on the border with Kaliningrad, a part of Russian territory separated from the country and wedged between Poland and Lithuania. Cameras and an electronic monitoring system also will be installed on the area... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3200039/barbed-wire-curtain-rises-europe-amid-war-ukraine?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3200039/barbed-wire-curtain-rises-europe-amid-war-ukraine?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Nov 2022 22:44:56 +0000 Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin was on Friday cleared of misconduct following an official inquiry after a leaked video showed the 36-year-old partying last August. Dozens of complaints were filed to Finland’s chancellor of justice after the premier was shown dancing and partying with friends and celebrities, driving global headlines. But the chancellor, an independent office responsible for overseeing the legality of government activities and to which any citizen can lodge complaints,... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3198543/finlands-partying-pm-sanna-marin-cleared-misconduct?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3198543/finlands-partying-pm-sanna-marin-cleared-misconduct?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Nov 2022 22:22:06 +0000 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s China policy has been criticised by his governing coalition at home, and there are signs that it may be causing friction at a European level too. Scholz on Friday confirmed he would visit China early next month, along with a delegation of German businesses, in a move that has distressed some members of his governing coalition, who are pushing for a tougher German policy on China. Speaking to reporters after the conclusion of a two-day European Council meeting,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3196842/no-separate-deals-china-eu-leaders-speak-out-against-scholz-trip-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3196842/no-separate-deals-china-eu-leaders-speak-out-against-scholz-trip-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Oct 2022 13:31:42 +0000 Finland and Sweden on Sunday announced plans to offer billions of dollars in liquidity guarantees to energy companies in their countries after Russia’s Gazprom shut the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, deepening Europe’s energy crisis. Finland is aiming to offer 10 billion euros (US$9.95 billion) and Sweden plans to offer 250 billion Swedish crowns (US$23.2 billion) in liquidity guarantees. The measure is aimed at helping companies struggling to meet the surging collateral requirements needed to... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3191313/sweden-sets-us23-billion-emergency-backstop-utilities-prevent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3191313/sweden-sets-us23-billion-emergency-backstop-utilities-prevent?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Sep 2022 13:57:22 +0000 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... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3189944/amid-partying-backlash-finland-pm-apologises-friends-topless?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3189944/amid-partying-backlash-finland-pm-apologises-friends-topless?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Aug 2022 18:08:59 +0000 The United States on Monday rebuffed Ukraine’s demand for a blanket visa ban on Russians, saying Washington would not want to close off pathways to refuge for Russia’s dissidents and others who are vulnerable to human rights abuses. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had first urged the visa ban in an interview earlier this month with the The Washington Post, saying Russians should “live in their own world until they change their philosophy”. Zelensky then issued another call a few weeks ago... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3189816/us-rejects-ukraine-demand-blanket-visa-ban-russians?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3189816/us-rejects-ukraine-demand-blanket-visa-ban-russians?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Aug 2022 21:06:45 +0000 A drug test taken by Sanna Marin was negative, bolstering the case that Finland’s 36-year-old prime minister will survive her latest partying scandal. The screening carried out on Friday showed no indication of drugs, according to a statement from the government in Helsinki on Monday. The urine test was screened for cocaine, opiates and amphetamine, as well as a number of other substances, Marin’s office said in an emailed response to questions. Marin took the test to refute speculation of drug... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3189815/finland-pm-sanna-marin-tests-negative-drugs-after-party-video?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3189815/finland-pm-sanna-marin-tests-negative-drugs-after-party-video?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Aug 2022 18:39:26 +0000 Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said on Friday she had taken a drugs test following the publication of video footage this week that showed her partying with friends, and vowed she had never used illegal drugs. Marin, 36, also said her ability to perform her official duties had remained unimpaired on the Saturday night in question and that she would have left the party had she been required to work. Video clips of Marin partying with well-known Finnish influencers and artists began circulating... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3189576/finland-pm-sanna-marin-takes-drug-test-after-party-video-causes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3189576/finland-pm-sanna-marin-takes-drug-test-after-party-video-causes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Aug 2022 16:58:16 +0000 Some prime ministers love partying too much for their own good. Britain’s Boris Johnson has had to resign, partly thanks to “partygate” in which he was seen having a good time during a Covid-19 lockdown period. The gathering was a real legal offence. This week, Finland’s Sanna Marin has offended the sensibility of some people rather than the law by letting her hair down and dancing wildly at a private party. Last year, she had to apologise for being exposed to a Covid-19 carrier during... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3189528/finnish-pm-sanna-marins-love-partying-and-joining-nato-two-sides?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3189528/finnish-pm-sanna-marins-love-partying-and-joining-nato-two-sides?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Aug 2022 13:00:24 +0000 Finland’s prime minister says she did not take any drugs during a “wild” party in a private home, adding she did nothing wrong when letting her hair down and partying with friends. A video posted on a social media shows six people dancing and mimicking a song in front of a camera, including Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin. Later in the video, Marin, 36, is on her knees on what seems to be the dance floor with her arms behind her head dancing while mimicking a song. “I’m disappointed that it... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3189409/finland-pm-sanna-marin-denies-taking-drugs-after-video-shows-her?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3189409/finland-pm-sanna-marin-denies-taking-drugs-after-video-shows-her?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Aug 2022 17:11:05 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Finland and Sweden discussed their stalled Nato bids with Türkiye in Brussels on Monday, but Ankara dampened hopes that their dispute will be resolved before an alliance summit next week. Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met representatives from the three countries to try to make progress on the Nordic nations’ membership applications, which have been blocked by Ankara. While he described the talks as “constructive” Türkiye made it clear there was still work to be done. “The Madrid Nato... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3182439/hopes-fade-swift-nato-accession-finland-and-sweden?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3182439/hopes-fade-swift-nato-accession-finland-and-sweden?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Jun 2022 21:09:10 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has met with Finland’s prime minister and spoken to the president of Türkiye* as he seeks to overcome Turkish resistance to Finland and Sweden joining the alliance. Stoltenberg, who visited Washington this week, tweeted late on Friday that he met with Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin while there and discussed “the need to address Türkiye’s concerns and move forward” with the Finnish and Swedish membership applications. Russia’s war in Ukraine pushed the... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3180477/nato-chief-push-overcome-turkish-opposition-finland-sweden?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3180477/nato-chief-push-overcome-turkish-opposition-finland-sweden?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Jun 2022 06:21:28 +0000 Reuters,Bloomberg Reuters,Bloomberg Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto confirmed on Sunday that his country would apply for membership of the Nato military alliance, in a historic policy shift prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Moscow, which shares a 1,300km (800 mile) border with Finland, has said it would be a mistake for Helsinki to join the transatlantic alliance and that it would harm bilateral ties. Sweden is also expected to follow suit as public support for membership has grown amid security concerns. Sunday’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3177839/finlands-president-confirms-country-will-apply-join-nato-historic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3177839/finlands-president-confirms-country-will-apply-join-nato-historic?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 May 2022 11:40:33 +0000 Finland’s president and prime minister said on Thursday they were in favour of joining Nato and a formal decision would be taken this weekend, after Russia’s war in Ukraine sparked a swift U-turn in opinion. The Kremlin immediately responded to the announcement, saying Finnish membership in the Western military alliance was “definitely” a threat to Russia. “The expansion of NAto and the approach of the alliance to our borders does not make the world and our continent more stable and secure,”... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3177461/ukraine-war-finlands-leaders-back-joining-nato-without-delay?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3177461/ukraine-war-finlands-leaders-back-joining-nato-without-delay?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 May 2022 07:32:01 +0000 A Russian army helicopter violated Finland’s airspace on Wednesday, the defence ministry said, as the country mulls a potential Nato membership bid that it hopes would be speedy. Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said on Wednesday that should Helsinki apply, alone or together with neighbouring Sweden, she hoped the application process would be completed as quickly as possible. Helsinki is holding talks with key members of the alliance to obtain security guarantees during the application period,... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3176546/russia-violates-finlands-airspace-helsinki-mulls?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3176546/russia-violates-finlands-airspace-helsinki-mulls?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 May 2022 17:07:47 +0000 When Chinese vice foreign minister Le Yucheng met Russian ambassador Andrey Denisov last week, he hailed the Sino-Russian partnership with words that sounded positively eerie to those in Europe: “No matter how the international landscape may change, China will continue to strengthen strategic coordination with Russia for win-win cooperation.” Beijing’s ambiguity towards Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its repeated threats about Taiwan are breaking apart the consensus China has worked hard to... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/world/article/3175707/how-beijings-stance-russia-and-its-taiwan-threats-are-hurting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/world/article/3175707/how-beijings-stance-russia-and-its-taiwan-threats-are-hurting?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Apr 2022 17:30:19 +0000 Even the Finns don’t want to be “Finlandised” any more. You know the international system is undergoing seismic changes when a common political term suddenly loses its meaning. Thomas Kuhn, the science historian, calls it a “paradigm shift”. Since the end of World War II, Finlandisation has come to mean placating a bigger and more powerful neighbour for a smaller and weaker country. It has the connotation of not just neutrality, but bending over backwards to avoid offending the big bad boss next... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3175856/putins-aggression-helps-kill-finlandisation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3175856/putins-aggression-helps-kill-finlandisation?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Apr 2022 13:00:23 +0000 Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev warned Thursday that Russia would deploy nuclear weapons close to the Baltic States and Scandinavia if Finland or Sweden decide to join Nato. Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council and president from 2008 to 2012, wrote on Telegram that if the countries joined, this would more than double Russia’s land border with Nato members. Russia says would use nukes only in face of ‘existential threat’ “Naturally, we will have to reinforce these... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3174299/ukraine-war-russia-repeats-nuclear-threat-would?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3174299/ukraine-war-russia-repeats-nuclear-threat-would?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Apr 2022 11:17:21 +0000 China is willing to play a “constructive role” in encouraging peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, Chinese President Xi Jinping told British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a phone call on Friday, state media reported. The call between the two leaders came a day after Johnson travelled to Brussels for a series of crisis meetings between members of Nato, the Group of Seven and the European Union over the Russian war in Ukraine. State news agency Xinhua reported that Xi stressed to Johnson the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3171912/china-wants-play-constructive-role-ukraine-crisis-xi-jinping-tells-boris?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3171912/china-wants-play-constructive-role-ukraine-crisis-xi-jinping-tells-boris?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Mar 2022 13:00:50 +0000 The way the West has jointly mobilised to impose comprehensive sanctions on Russia in response to its war on Ukraine is likely to have exceeded Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expectations. Putin – perhaps to show that he is in charge of a major power or a leader who holds true to his words – has ordered Russia’s nuclear deterrence forces to be put on high alert, or “special mode” as he called it. That he has ordered the fortification of Russia’s 6,000-warhead arsenal is tantamount to a major... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3170727/despite-putins-bluster-world-no-closer-nuclear-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3170727/despite-putins-bluster-world-no-closer-nuclear-war?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Mar 2022 17:30:13 +0000 Finnish MPs will debate how to handle a petition calling for a vote on Nato membership on Tuesday as a poll showed a historic change in attitude in the traditionally non-aligned country after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Prime Minister Sanna Marin said in a Twitter post on Monday evening that a planned debate in parliament the following day would cover the situation in Ukraine and was not intended as a “wider conversation on Finland’s policy regarding military alignment or non-alignment”. But... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3168745/ukraine-invasion-petition-finland-join-nato-marks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3168745/ukraine-invasion-petition-finland-join-nato-marks?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Feb 2022 22:09:01 +0000 Denmark and Norway on Tuesday became two of the first European Union countries to scrap most pandemic restrictions. Despite a surge in Covid-19 cases from the Omicron variant, Denmark no longer considers the outbreak “a socially critical disease”, as it is not placing a heavy burden on the health system and the country has a high vaccination rate, officials have said. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told Danish radio it is too early to know if measures may have to make a comeback. “I dare not... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3165531/denmark-scraps-most-coronavirus-restrictions-becoming-one-first?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3165531/denmark-scraps-most-coronavirus-restrictions-becoming-one-first?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Feb 2022 17:50:30 +0000 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the US promised to deliver written responses next week to Russian demands for security guarantees as he dismissed Western “hysteria” over Ukraine and repeated that Moscow has no plans to attack its neighbour. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken offered a preliminary reply to Russia’s demands and sought clarification on some issues during their 90-minute meeting in Geneva on Friday, which went on as long as planned, Lavrov told reporters. The two sides agreed... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3164303/russia-us-will-reply-security-demands-next-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3164303/russia-us-will-reply-security-demands-next-week?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Jan 2022 13:22:59 +0000 US President Joe Biden told Americans worried about the rapidly spreading Omicron coronavirus variant that the country was “prepared” to fight it, as Israel – which pioneered the use of Covid vaccine boosters – announced fourth shots for those over 60 and health workers. Omicron, now present in dozens of countries, appears to be more infectious than earlier coronavirus strains, despite early indications that it does not cause a more severe form of Covid-19 than the Delta variant. Its lightning... https://www.scmp.com/coronavirus/article/3160613/were-prepared-tackle-omicron-virus-variant-joe-biden-reassures?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/coronavirus/article/3160613/were-prepared-tackle-omicron-virus-variant-joe-biden-reassures?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Dec 2021 21:41:28 +0000 Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin apologised to the public after photos surfaced of her in a nightclub following the foreign minister testing positive for Covid-19. “I did wrong. I should have considered the situation more carefully,” Marin said in a television interview by public broadcaster Yle on Wednesday night. Marin, 36, said she decided not to cut her night out short on Saturday after being told she had been exposed to the coronavirus the day before, she wrote on Facebook on Monday after... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3159026/finlands-pm-sanna-marin-apologises-clubbing-after-covid-19?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3159026/finlands-pm-sanna-marin-apologises-clubbing-after-covid-19?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Dec 2021 06:22:57 +0000 Leaders from around the world congratulated newly sworn-in US President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris, expressing cautious optimism over future relations after four years of tumult under Donald Trump. Biden’s first call to a foreign leader will be to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday. Trudeau, who butted heads with Trump over trade, said that “Canada and the United States enjoy one of the most unique relationships in the world”. He said he looked forward to working... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3118623/world-powers-hopeful-reset-us-under-joe-biden?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3118623/world-powers-hopeful-reset-us-under-joe-biden?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Jan 2021 03:28:01 +0000 Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin faced a quieter day than usual on Wednesday after handing power to a 16-year-old as part of a campaign to promote girls’ rights. Aava Murto, from Vaasky in southern Finland, said she was having an “exciting day” as she faced media on the steps of parliament after meeting with the chancellor of justice. Murto added that she had “learned some new things about legislation”. In the afternoon, the student who actively campaigns on climate and human rights issues was... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3104606/teenager-aava-murto-finlands-prime-minister-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3104606/teenager-aava-murto-finlands-prime-minister-day?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Oct 2020 20:14:55 +0000 Bloomberg Bloomberg Finland’s prime minister, Sanna Marin, married her long-time partner, Markus Raikkonen, in a small ceremony befitting pandemic times. The couple wed on Saturday with family and their closest friends present, the Finnish government said in a statement on Sunday. Just 40 guests attended the wedding, which took place at their official residence in the Finnish capital Helsinki, a picturesque seaside villa. Marin, 34, first announced her nuptials in an Instagram post. “We’ve lived together in our... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3095754/how-marry-pandemic-millennial-finnish-premier-shows-way?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3095754/how-marry-pandemic-millennial-finnish-premier-shows-way?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Aug 2020 03:22:05 +0000 Kenn Anthony Mendoza Kenn Anthony Mendoza Germany, Taiwan, New Zealand, Iceland, Norway, Denmark and Finland. These countries are among those with the lowest numbers of cases, deaths and, so far, the best responses to the coronavirus crisis. They also share a striking similarity: they are run and governed by strong, decisive and empowered female leaders. Among them is Sanna Marin, Finland’s youngest-ever prime minister, who has demonstrated exemplary leadership by implementing measures to curb rising infections. After the resignation of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3090246/meet-sanna-marin-finlands-female-millennial-prime?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3090246/meet-sanna-marin-finlands-female-millennial-prime?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jun 2020 08:28:54 +0000 It’s often noted that during the coronavirus pandemic, women leaders have outperformed their male peers. Their governments have mostly managed to achieve lower death rates, and slow down or halt the spread of the disease. New Zealand, led by Jacinda Ardern, has largely ended the outbreak. Taiwan under Tsai Ing-wen has been praised for its effectiveness in fighting the disease. Angela Merkel’s Germany has had a far lower death rate than those of Britain, France, Italy and Spain. Finland, headed... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3084932/carrie-lam-deserves-credit-virus-fight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3084932/carrie-lam-deserves-credit-virus-fight?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 May 2020 13:10:15 +0000 As a Briton who visits Hong Kong multiple times a month, I can’t help but notice the parallels between my country’s political quagmire and the uncertainty that currently engulfs Hong Kong. Brexit represented the biggest challenge to Britain when it shouldn’t have. Hong Kong similarly faces a complex future due to the difficult symbiotic relationship with China. The noticeable similarity between these situations, and generally across the global political landscape, is that the key participants... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3044938/hong-kong-finland-and-beyond-young-are-taking-charge-their-future?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3044938/hong-kong-finland-and-beyond-young-are-taking-charge-their-future?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Jan 2020 23:10:15 +0000 Austria’s conservatives led by Sebastian Kurz have agreed to form an unprecedented coalition government with the Greens, capping almost three months of negotiations. The polls were triggered after a corruption scandal engulfed Kurz’s far-right ally after just 18 months in government together. “We have reached an agreement,” Kurz told reporters standing next to Greens leader Werner Kogler on Wednesday. “We succeeded in uniting the best of both worlds.” Kogler said the two disparate parties had... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3044244/austrian-conservatives-and-greens-strike-new-years-coalition-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3044244/austrian-conservatives-and-greens-strike-new-years-coalition-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jan 2020 22:10:26 +0000 Estonia apologised to Finland on Monday after Estonia’s interior minister mocked Finland’s new prime minister – the world’s youngest serving government leader – as “a salesgirl” and questioned her ability to run the Nordic country. Mart Helme, 70, Estonian interior minister and leader of the populist far-right party Ekre, on Sunday ridiculed Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, 34, and her government, in which four out of five coalition leaders are women under 35. “Now we see how one salesgirl... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3042358/estonia-apologises-after-minister-calls-finland-pm-sanna-marin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3042358/estonia-apologises-after-minister-calls-finland-pm-sanna-marin?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Dec 2019 17:38:51 +0000 Finland’s next government is breaking the mould in multiple ways. Sanna Marin, the 34-year-old transport minister, was tapped over the weekend by the ruling Social Democratic Party to be Finland’s new prime minister. When she takes the reins of the country, most likely on Tuesday, she will become the world’s youngest sitting head of government. In another unusual development, Marin will head a coalition with four other parties that are all led by women – three of whom are in their early 30s. Her... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3041347/meet-finlands-new-leader-sanna-marin-34-whos-about-become-worlds?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3041347/meet-finlands-new-leader-sanna-marin-34-whos-about-become-worlds?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Dec 2019 21:53:47 +0000