Mendi Kabashi runs for city council in Canada: Local politics is service, I support the voice of Albanian citizens

Mendi Kabashi, the daughter of renowned Albanian actor Mirush Kabashi, is running for a seat on the Mississauga City Council in Ontario, Canada. In an interview for the show “This Week” on News24 with journalist Nisida Tufa, she spoke about her journey from Albania to Canada, her community involvement, and her decision to enter local politics.

The elections will take place on October 26, and the race involves a community of about 65,000 residents. Kabashi’s campaign is mainly on the ground, through door-to-door meetings with residents, aiming to listen to their concerns and needs.

“Local politics is not ideology, it’s service,” declared Kabashi, who describes her candidacy as a mission greater than personal ambition. Her journey began at the age of 17, when she attended the Military Academy in Modena. She then worked as a legal advisor at the Ministry of Defense, while currently she lives and works in Toronto, where she focuses on community management.

Kabashi said she aims to bring the voice of citizens closer to local institutions and use her experience to improve life in the community where she is running. “I want to make people’s lives better by tapping into the full potential of this neighborhood or this municipal ward. I think I have the qualifications and preparation to do my best, but above all the will, honesty, and dedication,” she said.

An important part of her campaign is direct contact with residents. According to Kabashi, hundreds of citizens have agreed to put her promotional campaign materials at their homes, publicly showing their support for her. She said she often hears comments that, given her qualifications, she should have run for mayor rather than city councilor. “I often joke and tell them: next time,” Kabashi said.

She emphasized that her candidacy is not just about a personal race, but also about increasing Albanian representation in civic and political life in Canada. Kabashi thanked the community and the organizations she has been involved with, including EPAK, where she is chair of the Mississauga branch, as well as her sons who, according to her, have accompanied her since the start of this journey and will support her every step of the way.

Speaking about the family sacrifices this campaign requires, Mendi Kabashi said that after the elections, she wants to travel immediately to Albania to see her son, little Mirush, whom she hasn’t seen for several months. She thanked her mother for the great help and her family for the support, while saying she wants to honor her father’s name by leaving a good mark on the community.

Asked about the protests and political developments in Albania, Kabashi said she does not consider herself currently involved in Albanian politics. However, she stated she fully supports the right of citizens to protest and to express their voice.

“Today Albanian citizens are raising their voice because they don’t want to lose it. I think this mission must continue until the voice resounds loudly and the goals and will of the citizens are carried through to the end,” said Mendi Kabashi.