Image from Heute.at
On 1 January 2026, New York City opened a new political chapter with the inauguration of Zohran Mamdani as its 112th mayor, in ceremonies that combined symbolism, tradition, and strong international impact.
The inauguration took place in two stages. At midnight, Mamdani took a private oath in an old decommissioned underground station beneath City Hall – a location chosen by him to symbolise his commitment to New York’s working class, highlighting the importance of public transport and the city’s history. Later in the afternoon, a public ceremony was held at City Hall, in front of thousands of New Yorkers, with the participation of prominent figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who emphasised the importance of the event for progressive movements in the United States.
The moment was filled with symbolism: Mamdani became New York’s first Muslim mayor, the first of South Asian origin, and the first born in Africa to assume the office — milestones that highlight the diversity of the most populous city in the United States and the growing role of historically underrepresented communities in American politics.
Another historic element was the use of the Qur’an during the oath of office, breaking with many years of tradition in which the Bible was the most commonly used religious book for this moment. Mamdani placed his hand on three different Qur’ans — including one belonging to his grandfather and another connected to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture — reinforcing not only his personal identity but also the historical presence of Muslims in New York’s civic life.
The ceremony was more than a conventional political event: tens of thousands of people took part in the celebrations, which included a large public gathering and displays of enthusiasm in the city’s streets, even in below-freezing temperatures.
International reaction and developments
Mamdani’s inauguration drew wide global coverage due to its uniqueness and the sociopolitical significance of the moment. Analysts noted that his election is seen as a reflection of the growing appeal of progressive policies in major urban centres — marked by a focus on accessibility, housing, public transport, and economic equality — as well as an example of effective popular mobilisation.
Praise came from progressive sectors, who celebrated what many described as a “new beginning” for New York. At the same time, critics — particularly from more conservative positions — labelled some of Mamdani’s proposals, such as rent freezes and free public services, as “radical”, sparking debates about financial viability and the impact of socialist policies in a major urban economy.
His inaugural speech made it clear that he intends to govern with ambition, promising policies focused on infrastructure, social equality, and expanded rights for workers and families, while also seeking to build bridges with those who did not support him at the ballot box.
The context of this inauguration — at the start of the year and at the heart of one of the world’s most influential cities — means that the eyes of investors, political observers, and engaged citizens are now firmly fixed on New York. Mamdani’s administration will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched chapters in American politics in 2026, with the potential to influence national trends and inspire similar movements in other global cities.
