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In a inauguration day in his new role, Zohran Mamdani vowed to “reinvent” New York City, promising “a fresh chapter” and an ambitious beginning to his term.

A Groundbreaking Mayor

The 34-year-old figure, who was a virtually unknown state assemblyman, is the city's first Muslim mayor. He also made history by being the first 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 public whose hands are upon the controls for transformation,” Mamdani stated.

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

Steering by Socialist Principles

Mamdani did not shy away from his core beliefs. “I was elected as a socialist leader and I will lead as one. I will not abandon my convictions for concern of being called extreme,” he said to an enthusiastic response.

The inauguration was a dual event, beginning with a late-night oath-taking in a old subway station. He was formally sworn in on the steps of city hall by political ally Bernie Sanders, who spoke of Mamdani's election as a victory over political establishments.

A Costly Blueprint

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

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

The projected $10 billion expense of these services may pose a hurdle to fund. Mamdani has vowed to raise taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and big business. However, as a municipality under the authority of the state government, he will require the cooperation of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Navigating Political Headwinds

The new mayor will deal with skepticism from some Jewish New Yorkers concerned about his past criticisms regarding Israel. Sensitivities were highlighted during the transition when a senior aide resigned over offensive past social media posts.

Mamdani has sought to ease these concerns by persuading 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 called Mamdani a “communist” and threatened withholding federal funding. Despite this, a prior encounter between the two was described as unexpectedly friendly.

The Fundamental Challenges of Governing

Ultimately, New York mayors are judged on their ability in providing basic services: trash collection, curbing the rat infestation, fixing roadways, and ensuring smooth transit operation.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams highlighted his administration's public safety record, pointing to historically low numbers of murders and gun violence in 2025, with murders reported.

As his administration starts, Mamdani and his wife will relocate from their Queens apartment to the stately Gracie Mansion. The outgoing mayor offered a quirky piece of advice about a supposed friendly ghost in the home, which allegedly only troubles those who fail to “do right by the city.”

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