Youth in Politics

Sanna Marin of Finland just became the world's youngest prime minister. (Credit: Jukka-Pekka Flander/SDP; Flickr) A 34-year-old woman was sworn in as Finland’s prime minister on Tuesday, becoming the youngest head of state in the world. Sanna Marin became her country’s third female leader after being chosen by the Social Democratic party to replace outgoing prime minister Antti Rinne, who held office since June and resigned amid protests about a postal workers’ strike. While Marin is just one of two women counted among the youngest serving state leaders — Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand is 39 — she is not exactly an anomaly in her own nation. Marin now leads a government coalition of five progressive parties all helmed by women, and all under the age of 35. She addressed reporters shortly after her swearing-in, dismissing questions about the fact that she is trending globally. “My thoughts have been in the proceedings and I have not followed the international and national media coverage,” she said, according to The New York Times. “We have promised change. Now we need action. I believe that trust will return through action.” Marin has a history of being more focused on policy than starring in the public eye, but the spotlight hasn’t hurt. As head of the Tampere City Council from 2013 to 2017, videos posted on YouTube captured her passionate nature during the meetings. Marin, who lives with her husband and young daughter, was raised by two women, and has said felt she could not discuss her family openly. “I joined politics because I want to influence how society sees its citizens and their rights,” she writes on her website.

Youth in Politics

This Country Is Now Completely Run by Women

The Story Exchange

Youth in Politics

This Country Is Now Completely Run by Women

The Story Exchange

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