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In a inauguration day in office, Zohran Mamdani pledged to “transform” America's largest city, promising “a different age” and an bold beginning to his term.

A Groundbreaking Figure

The young democratic socialist, who was a virtually unknown state assemblyman, has become the city's first mayor of South Asian descent. He additionally marked a milestone by being the inaugural to be take the oath of office using the Islamic holy text.

“A opportunity of this kind seldom arrives and even more uncommon is it that the citizens whose hold the levers of change,” Mamdani added.

Ignoring suggestions to temper hopes, the mayor declared: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to reset is that of limited ambitions. Beginning today we will govern with courage and vision.”

Governing with Socialist Convictions

Mamdani openly embraced his political ideology. “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as one. I will not forsake my ideals for fear of being called radical,” he said to rapturous applause.

The ceremony was a dual event, beginning with a late-night oath-taking in a former subway station. He was officially inaugurated on the steps of city hall by political ally Bernie Sanders, who spoke of Mamdani's rise as a victory over powerful interests.

An Ambitious Policy Agenda

Mamdani now begins one of the most unrelenting jobs in American politics, with a plan promising:

• Universal childcare
• Fare-free public buses
• A halt to rent increases for approximately 1 million households
• A experiment of city-run grocery stores

The projected $10 billion price tag of these services may prove difficult to secure. Mamdani has pledged to raise taxes on the city's top earners and corporations. However, as a municipality under the authority of the state government, he will require the backing of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Managing Political Challenges

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

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

On the national stage, former President Donald Trump has labeled Mamdani a “communist” and threatened withholding government money. Despite this, a prior meeting between the two was reportedly unexpectedly friendly.

The Basic Tests of Governing

In the end, New York mayors are judged on their success in delivering basic services: sanitation, reducing the rat infestation, repairing potholes, and ensuring reliable subway operation.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams touted his administration's anti-crime efforts, citing historically low numbers of murders and shootings in 2025, with murders reported.

As his administration starts, Mamdani and his wife will move from their Astoria apartment to the historic Gracie Mansion. The previous occupant offered a unusual piece of advice about a reputed friendly ghost in the home, which allegedly only haunts those who do not act to “do right by the city.”

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