The first Muslim to become mayor of New York, the socialist Zohran Mamdani takes office this Thursday, promising to “inaugurate a new era” – language chosen by a politician aware of the high expectations that the left of the Democratic Party places in his mandate at the head of the largest city in the United States.
Mamdani, 34, will follow the New York tradition of two inauguration ceremonies: a smaller, private one, and a larger, open to the public. Faithful to a campaign full of symbolism, the Democrat decided that the first oath would be made official at midnight (2 a.m. on the 1st in Brasilia) by Donald Trump’s enemy and Attorney General of New York, Letitia James, and would take place in an abandoned subway station just below City Hall.
Built in the early 20th century and ornately decorated, the station today is a marshalling yard for subway trains in a city where an estimated 95 percent of the more than 400 stations were opened before 1960. “It was a physical monument to a city that dared to be beautiful and build great things that transformed the lives of working people,” Mamdani said in a memo explaining the decision and giving hints at the main themes expected to dominate his inauguration speech.
“This ambition need not be a memory relegated to our past, nor should it be understood only in relation to the tunnels under City Hall: it will be the goal of the government that has the chance to serve New Yorkers in the building above,” said the socialist, whose campaign included proposals such as free buses and rent freezes as a way to combat the soaring cost of living in the city of 9 million.
The second inauguration ceremony is expected to take place at City Hall itself, at 3 p.m. Brasilia time, just before a party that will close seven blocks of Broadway. For the public event, the oath will be read by none other than Senator Bernie Sanders, also a socialist and Mamdani’s outspoken inspiration during the election campaign in which he defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
In another show of popularity, Mamdani’s inauguration committee includes a long list of celebrities expected to be present at the inauguration ceremony. Names include “Sex and the City” actress Cynthia Nixon, “Rupture” actor John Turturro, comedian and playwright Cole Escola, educator and children’s television star Ms. Rachel and legendary jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins.
The socialist comes to power, one of the most visible positions in the country, buoyed by a young base excited by his improbable victory, defeating the Democratic old guard first in the party primaries and then in the general election. The campaign, based on online videos, a presence on YouTube channels and the streaming network Twitch and strong street work, has been so successful that it is already beginning to be imitated by some Democrats in other parts of the United States.
At the same time, prominent names in the party hesitated to declare their support for the socialist along the way and did so belatedly, such as New York Governor Kathy Hochul, or refused altogether – such as the leading Democratic cardinal in Congress, New York Senator Chuck Schumer.
Leading Democratic figures have been slow to embrace Mamdani, in part because of the Democrat’s stance on the war in the Gaza Strip. A staunch critic of Israel, the socialist has faced persistent accusations that he supported extremist language in pro-Palestinian acts and that he contributed to anti-Semitism in the city with the largest population of Jews outside Israeli soil.
Mamdani also suffered constant attacks from President Donald Trump, who even threatened to cut off federal funding to New York if the socialist was elected. However, the harsh rhetoric only lasted until the two men met at the White House on November 21, days after the Socialists’ victory.
In an abrupt change of tone, the president praised the Democrat, saying he can surprise and that New Yorkers will have a “great” mayor. On this point at least, the American left seems to agree with Trump.
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