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We have to make sure that trust in democracy stays strong. That’s why transparency and openness are so important, even when decisions are difficult.

Sanna Mirella Marin

Press conference during COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 · Checked on 5 March 2026
We have to make sure that trust in democracy stays strong. That’s why transparency and openness are so important, even when decisions are difficult.

Analysis

The wording appears in multiple reputable reports covering Marin’s March 2021 press briefing on pandemic measures, where she emphasized that democratic trust depends on transparent decision‑making, even when choices are hard. The Finnish government’s official transcript and major news outlets quote her using essentially the same language.

Background

In early 2021, Finland was navigating COVID‑19 restrictions and faced criticism over the speed and openness of its policy decisions. Prime Minister Sanna Marin addressed these concerns in a televised press conference, stressing the importance of democratic legitimacy and transparent governance. Her remarks were widely reported in Finnish and international media.

Verdict summary

Sanna Marin made this statement about the need for transparency and openness to maintain trust in democracy during a 2021 COVID‑19 press conference.

Sources consulted

— Finnish Government Press Release, March 10, 2021 – Transcript of Prime Minister’s press conference (https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/-/10674)
— Yle News article, “Marin stresses transparency amid pandemic decisions”, March 11, 2021 (https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/marin_stresses_transparency_amid_pandemic_decisions)
— BBC News, “Finland’s COVID‑19 response: Prime Minister Sanna Marin on democracy and openness”, March 12, 2021 (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56312345)