The city of Poznan in western Poland is known for a centuries-old legend related to goats, where two goats intended for roasting escape into the church tower. Poznan, the size of Helsinki, has taken full advantage of the legend, and murals and statues depicting goats can be seen all over the city.
On Thursday, the city was decorated with a completely new topic, namely posters of the former prime minister of Finland From Sanna Marin. The posters advertised the Impact’24 event in Poznan, which was attended by more than 6,000 guests.
The event is Central and Eastern Europe’s largest economic and technology conference, which brings together leading experts, politicians, business leaders and opinion influencers.
The event’s list of more than 650 speakers includes impressive names: the former president of the United States Barack Obama’s spouse Michelle ObamaPolish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorskian actor Jesse Eisenberga historian Timothy Snyderhistorian and editor Anne Applebaum and former Prime Minister Marin.
It is Marin who has been promoted as the face of the event all over Poland. On the pages of the event, Marin has been elevated to the top speaker – only Michelle Obama is ahead of her.
You can feel the enthusiasm related to Marin at the event.
– Marin’s appearance here was one of the main reasons why I came here. He is very inspiring, says someone who came to the event Agata Kalisz.
Friend of Kalisz Hania Nykowska agrees.
– It’s amazing to see his passion. He inspires to change the world, and pushes us all to do our part, says Nykowska.
Marin: We cannot afford to let Russia win
Marin started his part by commenting on the situation in Ukraine.
– As European countries, we cannot afford to let Russia win by any measure. If Russia wins, we will see wars for decades to come. Next in line would be Moldova, then the Western Balkan region, and the suffering would only increase. We would have to fear for our future constantly, Marin said.
Marin continued that the West has to do to Vladimir Putin to be clear that whatever happens, in the end Ukraine will be in both the EU and NATO.
Marin also brought up technological dependence, presumably referring to China. According to him, Europe is lagging behind in technological development.
– We cannot afford to make the same mistakes with technology as we did with energy in relation to Russia. It is certain that bad things will also happen in the future, Marin said.
Europe should invest in education and talented people in order to close the gap, Marin said.
The audience interrupted Marin’s speech several times with spontaneous applause.
Marin says he can speak more freely after leaving party politics
Last year, Marin resigned from the duties of a Member of Parliament and the leadership of SDP and surprised many by joining the former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s to the think tank bearing the name. Its role is to advise governments and political leaders.
The announcement was a disappointment to many of Marini’s supporters. Marin himself has justified his decision by the fact that he will be able to work better for the Finnish voters in his new role.
Marin is a sought-after speaker in international arenas.
This week, in addition to Poland, he has performed in Copenhagen at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit –in the event.
Marin commented on his career change at the event.
– I can speak more freely now, because I no longer have the burden of representing only one administration. I can speak more as myself, Marin said.
Marin said he learned a lot from his time as prime minister.
– Before becoming a politician, I thought that the strongest argument would win. But in politics, I realized that the most important thing is communication skills. And I still have a lot to learn in that, Marin said.
Marin was also asked if he still plans to return to politics.
– I wouldn’t say “never”. But at the moment I don’t have the passion for it, Marin answered.
The audience found understanding for Marin’s choice.
– I am convinced that he made the right decision. Now she can inspire women in the world even more, she is no longer so limited, Magdalena Holowińska says.