New York’s new mayor Zohran Mamdani vows to prove left-wing politics can govern, focusing on cost of living and setting a national example.
NEW YORK: Zohran Mamdani promised to show left-wing politics can succeed as he was inaugurated as New York’s mayor. The 34-year-old Democrat addressed thousands gathered in freezing conditions outside City Hall.
“They want to know if the left can govern,” Mamdani said in his 24-minute speech. He pledged to help those “betrayed by the established order” and tackle cost of living issues central to his campaign.
“We will do something that New Yorkers do better than anyone else: we will set an example for the world,” he added. The crowd broke into chants of “tax the rich” during his address, reflecting his plan to raise taxes on the wealthiest residents.
Left-wing allies Senator Bernie Sanders and congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke to some 4,000 ticketed guests. Sanders thanked Mamdani for giving “the hope and the vision that we can create government that works for all, not just the wealthy and the few.”
Mamdani’s ambitious program envisions rent freezes, universal childcare and free public buses. His term is sure to see him cross swords with US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized the new mayor.
The Republican president previously threatened to slash federal funding for New York if it picked Mamdani, whom he called a “communist lunatic.” Mamdani has said he believes Trump is a fascist.
One potential flashpoint is immigration, as Trump wages an expanding crackdown on migrants across the United States. Mamdani has vowed to protect immigrant communities in New York.
The inauguration was packed with symbolism, including a private midnight swearing-in at an abandoned subway station performed by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Mamdani’s office said the venue reflected his commitment to working people.
In a first for the city, he used Korans to be sworn in as mayor. Mamdani is New York’s first Muslim mayor, born in Uganda to a family of Indian origin before moving to the city at age seven.
Compensating for his relative inexperience, he is surrounding himself with seasoned aides from past mayoral administrations. He has also opened dialogue with business leaders who had predicted a wealthy exodus if he won.
As a defender of Palestinian rights, he will have to reassure the city’s large Jewish community of his inclusive leadership. A small group holding Israeli flags protested during his speech by blowing air horns.
