NYC mayor Mamdani commits to progressive, democratic and socialist governance

Sworn in as mayor of NYC on Thursday, Zohran Mamdani, vows to work towards making New York City more affordable for working families. 

Mamdani pledged in his inaugural speech to “govern expansively and audaciously,” promoting core campaign promises such as universal childcare, free bus service, rent freezes and expanded affordable housing. “We will answer to all New Yorkers, not to any billionaire or oligarch who thinks they can buy our democracy,” he said.

The public swearing-in ceremony of Mamdani at City Hall, was attended by thousands. Senator Bernie Sanders also attended the ceremony, showing support for Mamdani’s platform. “Making sure that people can live in affordable housing is not radical,” Sanders said, “It is the right and decent thing to do.”

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also administered the oath taking ceremony and backed Mamdani’s new proposals, prompting chants of “tax the rich” from supporters urging greater economic equality. 

Republicans and critics have labelled his policies as extreme. Mike Marinella, a spokesperson for the House Republican campaign, called him a “radical socialist.” She said that his policies would hurt Democrats nationwide. 

Dean Fuleihan, the deputy mayor, said that the plan is to raise taxes on millionaires to fund the new agenda, while Kathy Hochul, the governor of New York, expressed concerns about high income taxes.

The republicans claim that these policies could strain the city’s finances and complicate relations with state and federal authorities. 

However, people of New York have accepted the new administration with hope that these policies will help deal with the city’s affordability challenges. 

Mamdani’s rise from a state legislator to the mayor of NYC marks a significant shift in local politics, and the reforms under his administration are intended to redistribute power and resources toward working-class residents, a much-needed move for the betterment of America’s largest city.