Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City just after midnight on Thursday, marking a historic moment with a low-key swearing-in ceremony held deep beneath Manhattan. The Democrat, who at 34 is the city’s youngest mayor in generations, takes office as one of the most closely watched political figures in the United States. Ellen Gainsford reports.

Zohran Mamdani has officially taken office as New York City’s mayor after a surprise victory last year in which the 34-year-old Democratic Socialist defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo, making history as the first Muslim and first Asian American to lead the nation’s largest city. Dean of the Finance department at INSEEC Business School, Ellen Kountz, shares her insights.

Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City on Thursday, taking over one of the most unrelenting jobs in American politics with a promise to use the power of government to improve the lives of working people.

To implement his initiatives, he will likely have to make some political compromises. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City's mayor after his election in November 2025. Mamdani won on his promise to tackle cost-of-living issues in the city while sharply criticising the US president, Republican Donald Trump. Many New York residents expect him to be a disruptive political force. FRANCE 24's Jessica Le Masurier went to ask them what Mamdani represented for them.

His outgoing nature could pose a challenge for the city police officers. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.