Sanna Marin, the former Prime Minister of Finland, spoke candidly about her departure from politics during an event at the Munich Security Conference, where she also promoted her book, 'Toivo on tekoja' (Hope is Action). In her remarks, Marin clarified that she does not plan to return to politics but acknowledged the unpredictability of the future, stating that 'you can never say never'. She highlighted the significant pressures she faced during her time in office, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Finland's NATO membership process, the impacts of Russia's war on Ukraine, and trying to navigate her government’s agenda amidst these crises.

Marin detailed the mental and emotional toll her time as Prime Minister took on her, citing multiple crises that shaped her leadership experience. She presented a thoughtful reflection on her tenure, elaborating on how each event piled up contributing to her decision to step back as she expressed feeling exhausted and ready to move forward in her life. Furthermore, she mentioned personal challenges, such as juggling her political career with motherhood, specifically referencing her daughter, which also contributed to her feeling of having "lost four years" to her responsibilities in office.

This candid discussion reveals Marin's introspective approach and her desire to break the silence over the difficulties faced by leaders in turbulent times. As she steps away from politics, her reflections may resonate with many who admire her tenure and confront similar challenges in balancing responsibilities and personal well-being. Her insights could also fuel discussions about the demanding nature of political life and its impact on personal lives, especially for women in leadership roles.