Zohran Mamdani’s Inauguration as Mayor of New York Marked by Block Party
TL/DR –
Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as mayor of New York on 1 January with a large block party, emphasizing his focus on mass public participation in politics. During his campaign, Mamdani used novel strategies to engage people, such as viral videos, a city-wide scavenger hunt, opening a job portal, and inviting New Yorkers to discuss their concerns. Mamdani’s policies reject the neoliberal consensus and instead embrace a vision for government to actively aid its citizens, including universalist welfare reforms and continued public political engagement.
Zohran Mamdani’s Inauguration as New York Mayor Brings Drone City Politics to Life
Zohran Mamdani initiated his term as New York Mayor on January 1, with a grand block party, marking a shift from the typically exclusive inaugural events. Mamdani’s rise to power has been characterized by the desire for mass public participation in politics, mirroring his approach throughout his campaign.
Steps towards inclusivity began with a viral video in November 2024, involving street interviews with Trump supporters in Queens and the Bronx. Mamdani’s popularity subsequently led to the creation of a volunteer army for political canvassing, a city-wide scavenger hunt, and a jobs portal that attracted 74,000 applicants. Mamdani argued in his victory speech that politics should be an active task, not something done to the public.
Mamdani’s political approach rejects the old neoliberal consensus, rejecting the idea of politics as a negative force. The new Mayor embraces the view that government should actively help its citizens, a departure from the famously expressed view of President Ronald Reagan that the most terrifying words are “I’m from the government and I’m here to help”. Mamdani’s commitment to universalist welfare policies and ongoing inclusion of the public in politics continues to challenge the traditional status quo.
The inauguration reflected both a celebration and a continuation of Mamdani’s campaign, with backing from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders. Mamdani’s closing speech emphasized the power of collective action and hailed a new era of “big government”, in contrast to the politics of disillusionment and apathy of past decades.
Mamdani’s fresh approach to politics has shown that many people want more active participation and social mobilization through politics. This counters the view of politicians like Keir Starmer, who assumes the public want less politics.
Mamdani’s approach to politics challenges the traditional conflation of politics with disappointment and scandal, offering a political movement that people can actively participate in and believe in, pursuing a collective life, rather than a quiet one.
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