“I will lead the city administration as a democratic socialist, as I was elected as such.”
The 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani, the city’s first South Asian and Muslim mayor, added, “Those watching me want to know if the left can govern well,” at his inauguration on the 1st at New York City Hall in downtown Manhattan at 1 p.m. (local time). Just before midnight on the first, Mamdani held a private inauguration ceremony at the now-closed Old City Hall station. In the afternoon, there was a public ceremony. Prior mayors had invited more than 4,000 people to their inaugurations, but Mamdani allowed regular people to attend by closing Broadway, which runs from City Hall to Wall Street. The ceremony began at 1 p.m., and I arrived at the inauguration venue around 11:30 a.m.—I discovered a four or five-block line of people waiting to enter. Over 40,000 supporters endured the lengthy wait while chanting, “We want to see our mayor,” in spite of high winds of 24 to 32 km/h and below-freezing temperatures. “Even though I’m not a New Yorker, I came to see the beginning of the city’s most popular young politician,” said Brian McKeeley, a New Jersey native.
From beginning to end, the inauguration read like a celebration of the democratic socialist movement, which is a powerful political force in the United States. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (35, AOC), a rising progressive politician and democratic socialist in the US House of Representatives, was the first. “We chose this path because it is right and wise,” AOC stated in her introductory remarks, complimenting New Yorkers for choosing a mayor “who will relentlessly dedicate himself to instilling hope and ambition in workers.” “I’m excited about the new political world Mamdani and AOC will create,” remarked Mikell Jemison, a Brooklyn native who was standing next me. Bernie Sanders, the senator from Vermont and the leader of left-wing politics, entered the stage to administer the oath following AOC’s address. Supporters chanted, “Tax the rich!” as he said, sporting a blue beanie, “The wealthy and corporations must start paying their fair share of taxes.” This group was dubbed the “all-star” cast of the democratic socialist camp by the New York Times (NYT).
Sanders led Mamdani in taking the oath of office following his address. During the swearing-in, Mamdani touched the Quran, the sacred text of Islam. The festive performance was lead by Grammy-winning singer Lucy Dacus, who selected the song “Bread & Roses,” which is representative of the labor and women’s rights struggles.
Mamdani stressed ambitious reforms and a strong administration in his farewell address. “From now on, we will govern boldly and inclusively,” he declared, adding, “To those who say the era of big government is over, I say the city will no longer hesitate to use its authority to improve the lives of New Yorkers.” “To those who distrust or are wary of the administration, I vow that if you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor,” he said, acknowledging allegations that he is extreme. Gold and blue confetti fell down as Mamdani concluded her speech.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, former New York Mayor Eric Adams, and Governor Kathy Hochul were among those present.
