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And that concludes our live coverage of Zohran Mamdani\u2019s historic inauguration. Thank you so much for reading along, and wishing you all a safe and healthy new year.<\/p>\n
Share<\/a><\/p>\n Edward Helmore<\/p>\n Zohran Mamdani now begins one of the most unrelenting jobs in American politics as one of the country\u2019s closest-watched politicians whose platform promises free childcare, free buses, a rent freeze for about 1m households, and a pilot of city-run grocery stores.<\/p>\n Zohran Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, after his inauguration as mayor. Photograph: Derek French\/UPI\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n But the estimated $10bn cost of providing those services may be hard to find. Mamdani has vowed to raise taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and increase corporate taxes. But as a vassal city of the state government in Albany, he will need the legislative support of governor Kathy Hochul, who is running for re-election next year.<\/p>\n He\u2019ll also have to deal with Donald Trump, who has labelled the new mayor a \u201ccommunist\u201d and threatened to withhold federal funding from the city. But a friendly meeting between the outer borough New Yorkers last month, where they bonded over building more housing in the city, surprised many expecting a political firework show.<\/p>\n \u201cI want him to do a great job and will help him do a great job,\u201d Trump said.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Here are some more photos from the inauguration.<\/p>\n Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji. Photograph: Kylie Cooper\/ReutersConfetti falls during New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration ceremony. Photograph: Jeenah Moon\/ReutersMamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji. Photograph: Jeenah Moon\/ReutersShare<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe work, my friends, has only just begun,\u201d says a beaming Mamdani, closing his speech.<\/p>\n Blue and gold confetti rains down on the crowd (who are freezing by the way!), whose spirits remain high.<\/p>\n NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani after speaking at his inauguration ceremony. Photograph: Heather Khalifa\/APShare<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe will set an example for the world. If what Sinatra said is true, let us prove that anyone can make it in New York<\/a>, and anywhere else too,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a015.34 EST<\/p>\n Mamdani is aware that the success of his administration will impact New York<\/a> but will also have wider ramifications for the rest of the country.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are many who will be watching. They want to know if the left can govern,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n As mayor of New York<\/a>, Mamdani says he, like Jadakiss, will \u201cbe outside\u201d.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a015.28 EST<\/p>\n He says he will not abandon his principles for fear of being deemed \u201cradical\u201d.<\/p>\n I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a015.26 EST<\/p>\n Mamdani says his agenda will deliver \u201csafety, affordability and abundance\u201d.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n He poses a new answer to the question, \u201cWho does New York<\/a> belong to?\u201d<\/p>\n For too long, it has belonged to the \u201cwealthy and well-connected\u201d, he says. \u201cWorking people have reckoned with the consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Mamdani vows to govern ‘expansively and audaciously’ as he refuses to reset expectations<\/p>\n Mamdani says that in writing his remarks, he was advised to lower expectations.<\/p>\n I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to reset is that of small expectations.<\/p>\n Beginning today we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a015.41 EST<\/p>\n He also pays tribute to Bernie Sanders, calling him the man whose leadership he seeks most to emulate.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Mamdani also pays tribute to AOC, telling her: \u201cYou have paved the way for this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n He graciously thanks his predecessor, Eric Adams, (whose name prompts boos from the crowd), adding:<\/p>\n I will always be touched that he chose me as the mayoral candidate that he would most want to be trapped with in an elevator.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Addressing those who didn\u2019t vote for him, those who view him with \u201cdistrust and disdain\u201d, and those who have lost faith in politics, he says:<\/p>\n While only action can change minds, I promise you this: if you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a014.58 EST<\/p>\n He jokes that he is honored to serve as either the 111th or 112th mayor of New York City (after it emerged that the city may have been counting wrong<\/a> for decades).<\/p>\n