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On his initial day in the mayor's office, Zohran Mamdani pledged to “transform” the metropolis, ushering in “a fresh chapter” and an bold beginning to his administration.

A Groundbreaking Leader

The new political star, who was a relatively obscure state assemblyman, is the city's first Muslim mayor. He additionally marked a milestone by being the first to be sworn in using the Qur'an.

“A moment like this is rare and rarer still is it that the people themselves whose hands are upon the mechanisms of progress,” Mamdani added.

Ignoring suggestions to be modest, the mayor was emphatic: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to redefine is that of modest goals. Beginning today we will govern boldly and broadly.”

Steering by Democratic Socialist Convictions

Mamdani did not shy away from his socialist politics. “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as one. I will not compromise my ideals for fear of being called radical,” he proclaimed to loud cheers.

The inauguration was a two-part event, starting with a midnight oath-taking in a former subway station. He was officially inaugurated on the steps of city hall by Vermont independent senator Bernie Sanders, who spoke of Mamdani's rise as a victory over powerful interests.

A Costly Platform

Mamdani now begins one of the most demanding jobs in American politics, with a agenda including:

• Subsidized daycare
• No-cost bus transit
• A rent freeze for nearly 1 million households
• A experiment of municipally-operated grocery stores

The projected $10 billion cost of these initiatives may be challenging to finance. Mamdani has vowed to increase levies for the wealthiest New Yorkers and big business. However, as a municipality subject to the state government, he will require the backing of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Facing Political Dynamics

The new mayor will deal with concern from some Jewish New Yorkers alarmed by his past criticisms regarding Israel. Tensions were revealed during the transition when a senior aide stepped down over offensive past comments.

Mamdani has attempted to smooth over these tensions by convincing Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay on, preventing the optics of losing a top Jewish official.

On the national stage, former President Donald Trump has called Mamdani a “socialist” and warned of withholding federal funding. Despite this, a prior encounter between the two was described as surprisingly friendly.

The Core Tests of Leadership

Traditionally, New York mayors are judged on their success in providing essential functions: sanitation, curbing the rat infestation, fixing potholes, and ensuring smooth transit service.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams highlighted his administration's anti-crime efforts, pointing to historically low numbers of homicides and gun violence in 2025, with 301 homicides reported.

As his term starts, Mamdani and his wife will relocate from their Queens apartment to the historic mayoral residence. The outgoing mayor offered a unusual piece of advice about a reputed friendly ghost in the home, which reportedly only troubles those who do not act to “do right by the city.”

Mamdani concluded his remarks with a simple declaration: “The work has only just begun.”