Bernie Sanders Swears in Zoran Mamdani as NYC Mayor Amid Calls for Change
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the wealthy and voiced concerns over “hatred and division,” leading to a spirited chant of “tax the rich” before officially swearing in Zoran Mamdani, a fellow Democratic Socialist, as the mayor of New York City.
Speaking outside City Hall, Sanders expressed gratitude for Mamdani’s election during a time marked by significant societal challenges. “Thank you for electing Zoran Mamdani as mayor at this time in our nation’s history when we see so much hate, so much division, so much injustice,” he said.
Sanders argued that Mamdani’s proposals, like offering free public transit and taxing the affluent, should not be seen as extreme, which fueled further chants from the crowd.
Following the oath of office, Mamdani addressed the audience, promising to lead with a vision that prioritizes broad and bold initiatives. He criticized the past leadership, saying New York had largely belonged to the “rich and well-connected,” but vowed that this would change.
Mamdani’s mention of former Mayor Eric Adams drew boos from the crowd, indicating a clear shift in the city’s political landscape.
At 34, Mamdani became the 112th mayor of the United States shortly after midnight. His swearing-in ceremony took place privately at an abandoned subway station, officiated by New York State Attorney General Letitia James.
Plans for a large transition celebration are underway, with a “block party” set to close part of Broadway in lower Manhattan, an area traditionally associated with ticker-tape parades. Despite frigid temperatures, it’s expected that between 40,000 and 50,000 people will attend.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez opened the event, followed by a poem from New York poet Cornelius Eady. Ocasio-Cortez declared, “New York, we chose courage over fear. We chose prosperity for the many over spoils for the few,” framing the event as the dawn of a “new era” for the city.
Mamdani has laid out an ambitious agenda, which includes government-funded initiatives like universal childcare, free public transportation, and a rent freeze. He has called for a $10 billion funding package, suggesting it could come from taxes on the wealthy and higher corporate taxes for businesses operating in the city.
However, significant obstacles remain, as these proposals would need state approval. Some, like Governor Kathy Hochul, who has shown support for Mamdani, are open to discussions about increasing corporate taxes for universal childcare funding.
Concerns have also been raised about the feasibility of providing free buses. MTA chief Janno Lieber criticized the plan, stating it lacked thorough research and called for comprehensive studies before considering such giveaways.
Mamdani will also have to tackle various challenges, including staffing shortages within city agencies like the NYPD, difficulties within the underperforming school system, and a looming budget deficit that could lead to additional strain due to reduced federal funding.
