Party: Socialdemokratiet (Social Democrats)
Candidate for: Local council: Lolland Municipality
Muj Berisha Journey
It was 27 years ago, when Muj Berisha had a big change in his life. In 1998, he moved to Denmark from Kosovo as a refugee. It was a big change in his life, one that had a great impact “It wasn’t easy. Everything was new: the language, the culture, and the daily life. But Denmark gave me safety, education, and the chance to build a future.” He needed to build a new life from scratch.
Muj’s adventure started step by step in Denmark. He did his best through the years to integrate smoothly. The first thing he planned to do was to learn Danish to begin his journey of integration. Meanwhile, he started his family and got his new job. Everything was almost settled down, and slowly, he became part of the local community in Lolland. He was ready for a new chapter. “That journey taught me patience and resilience,” he says, “and how strong a community becomes when it gives space to those who want to contribute.”
Entering politics
Muj never dreamt of going into politics. His way into politics didn’t start with ambition but with a wish to help. “I never had the ambition to be a politician,” he admits. His journey into that world wouldn’t begin until 2008, when Muj became part of the Integration Council in Lolland Municipality and later became its chair. “I was a refugee myself, and I wanted to help others. That’s why I joined the Integration Council in Lolland.”
He began helping to shape local integration policies, especially when new Syrian refugees arrived. “We worked closely with the municipality to make the best integration possible,” he explains. “I realized how much you can do outside of the political system and maybe even more inside it.”
For Muj, the moment when they accepted Lolland’s first integration policy was a key milestone. And it was the time he understood that real change takes time, but is possible when people work together and stay persistent. ¨’ “From there, it felt natural to engage more broadly. For me, local politics is about creating good conditions for everyone, not just one group.”
Muj’s campaign
Muj is representing the Social Democrats in Lolland Kommune. His campaign focuses on three core themes: diversity, green transition, and volunteerism.
“Diversity is my first priority,” he says. “In Lolland, we have people from all over the world, from Germany, from Europe, from everywhere. We need more hands to work, and we need to make everyone feel at home. It doesn’t matter where you come from; we all work together for a better society.” He also explains that diversity is important because it makes us stronger. When different people from different backgrounds come together, they come up with new ideas, a healthier community, and better solutions. He says that he wants a Lolland where everyone feels they belong, no matter where they come from.
He also supports the green transition. “We’re standing in a historic moment. Here on Lolland, we can lead the way. We have energy projects, surplus heat, wind, and solar power, all the elements to benefit both the climate and local jobs. For me, the green transition is not only about the environment, it’s also about economic responsibility and preparing for the future.”
Another key priority is volunteerism because it is part of local life, the backbone of the community. Without associations, culture houses, and all the volunteers, Lolland is not Lolland, he explains. All of these people deserve support and recognition because they keep our communities alive, in towns and in villages alike. In short, he summarizes: “My campaign is about community, responsibility, and action, the values I stand for.”
Muj also believes that internationals are playing a key role in Denmark. “As an international, we bring experiences and new perspectives which can strengthen society. But we also have a responsibility, not just to integrate quietly, but to participate actively. Democracy grows stronger when more voices are included.”
With this, he also advises readers: Take a small step. First of all, you can join an association, be a volunteer, learn the Danish language, and get to know your neighbors. That’s how doors begin to open, both to belonging and to influence.
Final thoughts
He is making it clear that he wants voters to know that he is a candidate who listens and works hard. “My roots may be abroad, but my heart is here in Lolland. I believe in cooperation, in doing rather than talking, and in building bridges between people.”
While he is sharing his reflections, he would love to get attention from other internationals living in Denmark and says, “Your voice matters. When you vote, engage, and maybe even run for office, you help shape the Denmark you live in. Democracy is strongest when everyone takes part.” which is a very nice quote from him reminds us meaning of belonging.
Follow Muj’s Website campaign page: http://www.mujberisha.dk/
Follow Muj’s Facebook campaign page: https://www.facebook.com/mujberishalolland/
Follow Muj’s Instagram campaign page: https://www.instagram.com/mujberisha/
