by David Hawkins
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani pledged to govern as a socialist and bring what he called the “warmth of collectivism” to the nation’s largest city during his inaugural address, signaling an aggressive expansion of government power under his administration.
The ceremony opened with a rendition of the socialist anthem “Bread and Roses.”
The NYC mayor delivered his remarks while joined by leading figures from the Democratic Party’s far-left wing, including Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
Mamdani also became the first New York City mayor to be sworn in on a Quran before launching into an address promising expansive government action.
“Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously,” he declared.
“We may not always succeed.
“But never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try.
“To those who insist that the era of big government is over, hear me when I say this: No longer will City Hall hesitate to use its power to improve New Yorkers’ lives.”
“For too long, we have turned to the private sector for greatness, while accepting mediocrity from those who serve the public.
“I cannot blame anyone who has come to question the role of government, whose faith in democracy has been eroded by decades of apathy.
“We will restore that trust by walking a different path; one where government is no longer solely the final recourse for those struggling, one where excellence is no longer the exception.”
Mamdani argued that excellence achieved in New York City’s private sector can and should be replicated inside government.