Bernie Sanders Swears in Zohran Mamdani as NYC Mayor Amid “Tax the Rich” Chants

A spirited celebration unfolded in New York City as Senator Bernie Sanders officiated the swearing-in ceremony of Zohran Mamdani as the city’s new mayor. The event, which took place just after midnight on December 31, 2023, was marked by chants of “tax the rich” from supporters who gathered outside City Hall.

In his address, Sanders criticized the current state of inequality, stating, “At a time in our country’s history when we are seeing too much hatred, too much divisiveness and too much injustice, thank you for electing Zohran Mamdani as your mayor.” He emphasized that Mamdani’s agenda, which includes initiatives such as free public transportation and increased taxation on the wealthy, is not radical but necessary. Following Sanders’ remarks, the crowd erupted in support, chanting the now-familiar slogan.

Mamdani, who is affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America, pledged to govern “expansively and audaciously.” He asserted that the city, long dominated by the privileged elite, would now focus on the needs of all residents. As he acknowledged former mayor Eric Adams, some attendees expressed their discontent with boos.

The 34-year-old Mamdani officially became the 112th mayor of New York City during a private ceremony held in an abandoned subway station at City Hall. Letitia James, the New York Attorney General, administered the oath of office in front of a select group of supporters.

A Vision for Change

Mamdani’s inauguration set the stage for what he described as a new era in governance. His ambitious proposals include a $10 billion plan aimed at providing universal childcare, free public buses, and rent freezes across the city. Funding for these initiatives would rely heavily on increased taxes for the wealthy and corporations seeking to operate in New York.

While Kathy Hochul, the Governor of New York, has shown some support for Mamdani’s vision, particularly regarding corporate tax increases for funding universal childcare, significant challenges remain.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has expressed skepticism about Mamdani’s plan for free bus rides, which is estimated to cost around $1 billion. MTA CEO Janno Lieber criticized the proposal as “half-baked,” indicating that it requires extensive review and study before implementation could be considered.

Mamdani’s administration will also face pressing issues, including staffing shortages in vital agencies such as the NYPD and FDNY, as well as challenges within the city’s extensive school system. With student performance declining and budget shortfalls anticipated, the new mayor will need to navigate a complex landscape of financial constraints.

Community Celebration

The transition to Mamdani’s leadership has been marked by extensive preparations for a community block party. This event will close Broadway south of Canal Street, a notable area known as the Canyon of Heroes, traditionally used for ticker-tape parades.

The celebration featured remarks from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent figure in the progressive movement. She described the occasion as a pivotal moment for New Yorkers, declaring, “New York, we have chosen courage over fear. We have chosen prosperity for the many over spoils for the few.”

As Mamdani embarks on his tenure, the eyes of the city and the nation will be closely watching how he tackles the ambitious agenda he has set forth, navigating the complexities of governance and the expectations of a diverse and dynamic electorate.