Mamdani Announces Housing Plans After Inaugural Party

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani Swears In as Inaugural Ceremony Breaks with Tradition

A large crowd and public party greeted New York’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, during his inaugural ceremony on Thursday. The event marked a departure from the traditional format of political inaugurations.

Mamdani took the oath of office in a small ceremony at the steps of the New York City Hall subway station just after midnight, as the ball dropped in Times Square to ring in 2026. He was administered the oath by State Attorney General Letitia James, accompanied by his wife Rama Duwaji on a staircase inside the transit hub.

Later that day, Mamdani repeated the oath on the steps of City Hall before a crowd that spilled across the surrounding plaza and into the streets. Despite the cold weather, tens of thousands of supporters attended the event, including city officials and national politicians such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders.

A seven-block-long public block party was held outside City Hall, which was open to anyone who RSVP’d and braved the weather conditions. The event featured speeches from Mamdani, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Comptroller Mark Levine, as well as appearances by faith leaders of various denominations.

The ceremony included multiple swearings-in, with each leader using a different sacred text - a Quran, a Christian Bible, and a Hebrew Bible. The event was notable for its inclusive nature, with remarks delivered in English, Spanish, Hebrew, and Greek.

National politicians and city officials attended the event, which marked a significant moment in New York City’s history. The inauguration ceremony broke with tradition, offering a unique experience for the public to witness the swearing-in of the new mayor.

Source: Al Jazeera