NYC BREHS: Mayor Mamdani is here.
- Thread starter Sir Richard Spirit
- Start date
He is so funny, I am going to watch later.
Zohran Mamdani in Queens, New York, on Wednesday. Photograph: Heather Khalifa/AP
Zohran Mamdani
Europeans recognize Zohran Mamdani’s supposedly radical policies as ‘normal’
Critics of New York City’s mayor-elect have said his pledges
of free bus service and universal childcare are unrealistic, but in Europe it’s a given
Ashifa Kassam
Thu 6 Nov 2025 10.17 EST
After New York City’s race for mayor catapulted Zohran Mamdanifrom state assembly member into one of the world’s most prominent progressive voices, intense debate swirled over the ideas at the heart of his campaign.
His critics and opponents painted pledges such as free bus service, universal childcare and rent freezes as unworkable, unrealistic and exorbitantly expensive.
But some have hit back, highlighting the quirk of geography that underpins some of this view. “He promised things that Europeans take for granted, but Americans are told are impossible,” said the Dutch environmentalist and former government adviser Alexander Verbeek in the wake of Tuesday’s election.
Verbeek backed this with a comment he had overheard in an Oslo cafe, in which Mamdani was described as an American politician who “finally” sounded normal.
“Normal. That’s the word,” Verbeek wrote in his newsletter, The Planet. “Here, taking care of one another through public programs isn’t radical socialism. It’s Tuesday.”
That view hit on the wide differences in how Mamdani’s promises are seen by many across the Atlantic. “Europeans recognize his vision about free public transit and universal childcare. We expect our governments to make these kinds of services accessible to all of us,” said Verbeek. “We pay higher taxes and get civilized societies in return. The debate here isn’t whether to have these programs, but how to improve them.”
More than a decade ago, Tallinn, the Estonian capital, became the largest city in the world to introduce fare-free public transport. Financed by the city’s resident tax, the scheme faced heavy opposition before its rollout, with some describing it as a political stunt that the city couldn’t afford.
Nearly a year later, researchers found that public transport use had increased by 14% and that the mobility of low-income residents had improved. Similar schemes have since sprung up across the continent, in France’s Montpellier and Dunkirk, for example, and expanded across countries in the case of Luxembourg and Malta.
When Mamdani promised to launch one city-owned grocery story in each of New York’s five boroughs, with a view to expanding if the pilot was successful, it reminded Aslı Aydıntaşbaş, a foreign policy fellow at the Brookings Institution, of the city-run grocery store she had visited in Istanbul in 2014.
Back then, she had been surprised to see the heaving shelves, laden with products that ranged from bread to lentils to basic household appliances, much of it provided by small, little-known manufacturers. Access to these stores was limited to low-income households, with families receiving a preloaded monthly loyalty card to use at these shops, she said. “These city-run grocery stores in Istanbul were successful and replicated by other cities.”
More than a decade on, the experience convinced her of the viability of Mamdani’s promise. “I was struck by the fact that New York elite and Republicans wanted to paint these proposals as sort of coming from the moon,” she said. “Things like non-profit stores or free buses, these are not outrageous ideas, nor are they socialist. They’ve been tried in different parts of the world.”
For New Yorkers, precedents for city-run grocery stores can also be found closer to home. Chicago is mulling similar plans, while Atlanta and St Paul, Kansas have launched their own takes on municipal-run grocery stores.
Mamdani’s campaign also promised to make childcare free for all children in the city, ages six weeks to five years. Days before the election, the state of New Mexico provided the city with a precedent-setting example, becoming the first US state to offer free childcare to all of its residents, in an effort to boost its economy and raise education and child welfare levels.
Across the Atlantic, Portugal’s government began introducing free childcare in 2022, starting with children ages one and under with promises to gradually expand the program to children up to the age of three. While the program is open to all, places are limited and can be tough to access, with priority given to low-income and single-parent families.
In Berlin, childcare has been free for children from their first birthday until they start school since 2018, though centres are allowed to levy additional charges for provisions such as lunches and extracurricular activities. Across the Nordic countries, free childcare is not universal, but is heavily subsidised by the state for most families.
Mamdani’s platform also included a promise to provide new parents with a free baby basket that includes items such as diapers, baby wipes, nursing pads, swaddles and books. In Finland, the baby box has been a universal benefit since 1949 and has since been emulated by nearly 100 programs in 60 countries around the world.
How Mamdani built an ‘unstoppable force’ that won over New York
Read more
The sharp contrast in how Mamdani’s policies were seen within the US and abroad probably has much to do with the scant existence of a welfare state in the US, writer Mary Holland noted this week. “To anyone living in a western European state, the self-professed democratic socialist’s ideas probably sound entirely reasonable,” she wrote in Monocle. “But to many Americans, they’re wildly ambitious – radical, even.”
Perhaps the most widely panned of Mamdani’s ideas is his vow to freeze rent for nearly 1 million rent-stabilised tenants in the city. The former US treasury secretary Larry Summers was among those who slammed the idea, writing on social media that rent control was the “second-best way to destroy a city, after bombing”.
In 2020, Berlin passed a law that resulted in a five-year rent freeze, at June 2019 levels, for 90% of the flats in the city. While the law offered relief to about 1.5 million households who had seen rents rise by an estimated third in the six years prior, it was ruled as unconstitutional in 2021 after Germany’s highest court sided with landlords and property investment lobbyists who had argued it was inappropriate and illegal for the state to meddle with the private market.
A 2022 paper, however, marked out an interesting impact of the short-lived measure, in that it found that while rent control was in place, residents were seemingly more receptive to new housing developments in their area. The finding suggests that if Mamdani is able to carry out the rent freezes as promised, it could help to pave the way for his promise to also triple the city’s production of affordable homes.
Perhaps the strongest precedent, however, for rent freezes comes from New York’s own recent history. In the past 10 years, during Bill de Blasio’s tenure as mayor, members of the city’s rent guidelines board voted to freeze the rent four times, one former member of the New York City rent guidelines board, Leah Goodridge, noted recently in the Guardian. “This is why criticisms of Mamdani’s rent freeze ring hollow for me – it’s painted as out of touch, yet there’s already a precedent, backed by government reports and data.”
Peabo Bryson
All Star
Let's see where NYC is at in 4 years. I honestly do not believe he will be able to do even a fraction of the stuff he has promised. And that's no hate... Some of the stuff he says sounds beautiful. It just won't happen. This is basically an experiment at this point, by an inexperienced 34 year old. Let's get real - if corporations get double-taxed, they're going to exit NYC. And he's saying anyone who makes over 1 million is going to cough up extra taxes... but someone who just barely makes over 1 million in NYC, is not even "rich" but they'll be forced into this new tax policy... and they aren't going to stand for being forced to pay thousands of extra dollars to help out the brokies. That's why I don't think it will work. When the big money leaves town, where will the money come from then? The tier of taxpayers below those making 1 million? Then what if that tier has a mass exodus because they also don't want to be forced to pay? LOL. The money has to come from somewhere... NYC can't print dollars. I question the long game of this. It all sounds great right now on paper and folks are hyped... but who in their right mind is going to let themselves get raped on taxes? I know if I was a corporation or I made over 1 mill, I'd be outta there with the quickness. If I want to be charitable, I'll do it on my own terms... not forced taxation (theft.) I'm all for the regular folk getting some breaks out here... and I surely didn't want to see the same 'ole same 'ole business-as-usual for NYC.. but I just don't think this kid is going to be able to make it happen. For my lower income brehs in NYC, I hope my post ages badly in 4 years and NYC is a utopia. We'll see. Gotta at least try!
The better observation is, what about the status quo makes you believe it’s more sustainable and reasonable? What about the current situation has you believe it’s more natural than what he’s proposing. Just because we happen to be here doesn’t mean it was the likely outcome.
Hindsight is always 20/20 but a lot had to happen for us to get here, not all of it was planned… and a lot has to happen to get us somewhere new, it’s that simple.
Peabo Bryson
All Star
I was just talking basic economics, which I majored in. But like I said... gotta try. Let's see if it works.
It never has
Right, I understand that, but current economics of NYC have let a vast majority of its citizens out in the cold. How long can rich brehs carry the city? It’s simply not sustainable, eventually they will leave when people stop buying their shyt and only a few people have paper. Rich people are not going to just stay in NYC having rich parties and eating rich food without interacting or doing business with the poors. There’s got to be some sort of balance. The basic economics of NYC aren’t working like they should for a city of its size.
Peabo Bryson
All Star
The thing is... and I'm not saying any of this to argue your point.. I do agree with you that things aren't sustainable as is. But to make points on the other side, anyone can become "rich" if they really want it that bad. Whether you juggle 5 side hustles while maintaining a job and get your bread way up or save up for years, take a risk, and start some kind of business. Of course it's easier said than done, but I've always grinded super hard and got myself in a position now in my 40s where I'm pretty well off... and I was raised by lazy poor parents myself. Now that I'm in this position, and worked hard, made so many sacrifices... I don't want to be penalized for it, just to help out those who didn't grind as hard as me, or didn't develop any real money-making skills or mindset. I get it if you're just born dumb, or born with some kind of handicap/disability... but the majority of folks out there just don't truly apply themselves to go get the real paper. And that's just humans being humans. They make excuses to say it's not possible for them, or they keep saying "one day if I come into money, I'm gonna open a (insert-business-idea) and then it'll be on and poppin", but never really put the effort towards achieving it. But I'm an example of a regular person that applied myself... became obsessed. I wanted it that bad. As cliche sounding as it is - this is America. You can go out there and get it... for real. Nobody can stop you. But if you aren't obsessed with it enough, are lazy or not motivated, or you're just stuck in a hell-hole raising a bunch of kids (that were bad decisions or accidents) where all your time and energy is drained..... Why should I truly feel sorry for you or want to just give you free money to "balance" out the "rich vs. poor"? It really comes down to the motivated and unmotivated.
The better solution is to create an environment that is easier for any Joe Schmoe to start a business, get a grant, gov't funded courses to teach trades, promote entrepreneurship, ingenuity, tax breaks for new startups, etc.... where more average people can get "rich", provide tons of jobs and motivate others to do the same... vs. just straight up providing free gov't cheese and services. What is the motivation for someone to go out there and get it when it's handed to you automatically? That's why I could never really make sense of most of these type of ideas. Why not create a society of go-getters instead? The truth is, it really comes down to power and control... It's really tough to control a legion of new millionaires. But it is very, very easy to control and keep tabs on people who depend on you for everything. Folks out here thinking these politicians are doing what they do for the pure good of mankind. They're not, and there is always an end goal. And I say this not to say one side is bad and the other is good.. For sure, right-leaning wealthy folk aren't really out here trying to help mankind either. But ANYONE with a fully functioning brain can become a wealthy person too, and that's the beauty of a free-enterprising country.
But I agree something has to happen NOW to make things better. What I'm proposing would take many, many years to get in motion. But the Robin Hood Theory ain't the answer either. I only have a good understanding of finances.. not politics. So these are just my 2 cents. I wish the new mayor much luck.. and ultimately I hope the citizens of NYC do get something better out of life because of him, whether I agree or disagree with how it's done.
leave to go where?
1/37
@atrupar
Trump to the Novo Nordisk CEO: "Maybe you should give us a piece of the company like I've been asking for."
https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1986509386232029184/vid/avc1/1280x720/MNxxD4dFvqPdD7Xi.mp4
2/37
@ManiamAkash
Ah the irony of these guys seizing companies while accusing others of being communist
3/37
@handsoitgoes
Yikes! Sadly He collapsed several minutes later after Trump’s Presidential intimidation! AWH!
https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1986531509851865088/vid/avc1/1280x720/aY_RQvUumHy0GSh-.mp4
4/37
@libdunkmedia
And he has the nerve to call Mamdani a communist...
5/37
@AnamarijaML
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!
6/37
@imatweet25
And they call Mamdani a communist?
7/37
@BinkyBaxter1
/grok Is this an example of State capitalism similar to the Chinese Communist government.
8/37
@DenisonBarbs
WTF? I thought we were a free market society? This is some North Korean shyt going on.
9/37
@mammasaysstuff
Joking! Not joking! That’s a really nice corporation you have there. It would be a shame if something happened to it!
10/37
@Bubblebathgirl
Equity in companies that matter matters.
11/37
@ChrisO_wiki
Chat, is this how capitalism works?
12/37
@fukkyouiquit
CEO: *faints*
13/37
@Rach3lFranke
Is this before or after the dude passed out?
14/37
@og_fhools
Was this before the Nordisk executive fainted ?
15/37
@mdixon2003
So...communism?
16/37
@DianeMcKenna22
The mob is calling and they want their failed experiment back.
17/37
@Linda__Stevens
Trump is advocating for Socialism again.
18/37
@JohnnyVomits
"Communism is cool now." -MAGA
19/37
@anthonybwilson
Commie Trump at it again.
20/37
@BrionSalazar
I thought there was a name for political movements that focus on Government owned companies…
21/37
@bhaviklathia
lmao this is more communist than anything zohran has ever proposed
22/37
@GingerSlapp
C O M M U N I ZZZZZZ M
23/37
@woodeye2u
Trump: "And Eric will be around every Saturday for the envelope, 'partner'."
24/37
@phadetheplex
Maybe instead of feargasming cartoonishly exaggerated ideas of Mamdani turning NYC into a communist/sharia law hybrid news media could spend some time on the champion of free markets pushing for state control of corporations
25/37
@jeffrey14465
Remember when the GOP was outraged in 2008 when the government got non-voting shares for the TARP bill? Yeah, that was considered "socialism." My how things have changed.
26/37
@J0ann3
I thought Americans were against communism.
27/37
@InnocenceCapit1
"oh, he's just joking, it's the democrats who embrace socialism"
i don't think the government taking equity stakes in companies, healthy or unhealthy is something we should be doing.
28/37
@sjk8775
That's a nice little company you got there ... be a shame if anything happened to it.
29/37
@erincowgill
Call the police (Ren & Stimpy voice).
30/37
@CreativeTweets
It's true! The Godfather sequels all went downhill fast after Part II.
31/37
@tangotiki
When he says "us" he means him
32/37
@MissDannie1310
Here in Venezuela we had one of those.
33/37
@MimiMelange
IT’S NOT SOCIALISM WHEN I DO IT!!!
34/37
@andrewckeith
That’s a nice company you got there. Be a shame if anything were to happen to it
35/37
@Galylynn
36/37
@THEBEEPER134
Donny needs some of that stuff
37/37
@flybigd
Oh but city owned grocery stores in NYC is a bridge too far
@atrupar
Trump to the Novo Nordisk CEO: "Maybe you should give us a piece of the company like I've been asking for."
https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1986509386232029184/vid/avc1/1280x720/MNxxD4dFvqPdD7Xi.mp4
2/37
@ManiamAkash
Ah the irony of these guys seizing companies while accusing others of being communist
3/37
@handsoitgoes
Yikes! Sadly He collapsed several minutes later after Trump’s Presidential intimidation! AWH!
https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1986531509851865088/vid/avc1/1280x720/aY_RQvUumHy0GSh-.mp4
4/37
@libdunkmedia
And he has the nerve to call Mamdani a communist...
5/37
@AnamarijaML
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!
6/37
@imatweet25
And they call Mamdani a communist?
7/37
@BinkyBaxter1
/grok Is this an example of State capitalism similar to the Chinese Communist government.
8/37
@DenisonBarbs
WTF? I thought we were a free market society? This is some North Korean shyt going on.
9/37
@mammasaysstuff
Joking! Not joking! That’s a really nice corporation you have there. It would be a shame if something happened to it!
10/37
@Bubblebathgirl
Equity in companies that matter matters.
11/37
@ChrisO_wiki
Chat, is this how capitalism works?
12/37
@fukkyouiquit
CEO: *faints*
13/37
@Rach3lFranke
Is this before or after the dude passed out?
14/37
@og_fhools
Was this before the Nordisk executive fainted ?
15/37
@mdixon2003
So...communism?
16/37
@DianeMcKenna22
The mob is calling and they want their failed experiment back.
17/37
@Linda__Stevens
Trump is advocating for Socialism again.
18/37
@JohnnyVomits
"Communism is cool now." -MAGA
19/37
@anthonybwilson
Commie Trump at it again.
20/37
@BrionSalazar
I thought there was a name for political movements that focus on Government owned companies…
21/37
@bhaviklathia
lmao this is more communist than anything zohran has ever proposed
22/37
@GingerSlapp
C O M M U N I ZZZZZZ M
23/37
@woodeye2u
Trump: "And Eric will be around every Saturday for the envelope, 'partner'."
24/37
@phadetheplex
Maybe instead of feargasming cartoonishly exaggerated ideas of Mamdani turning NYC into a communist/sharia law hybrid news media could spend some time on the champion of free markets pushing for state control of corporations
25/37
@jeffrey14465
Remember when the GOP was outraged in 2008 when the government got non-voting shares for the TARP bill? Yeah, that was considered "socialism." My how things have changed.
26/37
@J0ann3
I thought Americans were against communism.
27/37
@InnocenceCapit1
"oh, he's just joking, it's the democrats who embrace socialism"
i don't think the government taking equity stakes in companies, healthy or unhealthy is something we should be doing.
28/37
@sjk8775
That's a nice little company you got there ... be a shame if anything happened to it.
29/37
@erincowgill
Call the police (Ren & Stimpy voice).
30/37
@CreativeTweets
It's true! The Godfather sequels all went downhill fast after Part II.
31/37
@tangotiki
When he says "us" he means him
32/37
@MissDannie1310
Here in Venezuela we had one of those.
33/37
@MimiMelange
IT’S NOT SOCIALISM WHEN I DO IT!!!
34/37
@andrewckeith
That’s a nice company you got there. Be a shame if anything were to happen to it
35/37
@Galylynn
36/37
@THEBEEPER134
Donny needs some of that stuff
37/37
@flybigd
Oh but city owned grocery stores in NYC is a bridge too far
Mamdani should attempt to do the same thing and let whoever sue all the way to the supreme court. create a NYC sovereign fund. convert existing grants, tax credits, or subsidies into equity-based support.
I don't think he didn't even mention black men in his speech. Named every other demographic but
EDIT: lmao I see there's a whole thread about it. Lemme get my reading glasses and
CodeKansas
Superstar
Honeymoon already over?
Peabo Bryson
All Star
You serious? Leave NYC to any another city/state that doesn't impose these taxes. If you're a corporation, you don't HAVE to be headquartered in NYC. I mean, it's already starting:
wagamama to Relocate U.S. HQ from New York City to Tampa
wagamama, the modern pan-asian restaurant brand with seven U.S. locations across four markets, today announced it will relocate its U.S. corporate headquarters from New York City to Tampa, Florida, as part of the company’s next phase of strategic growth. The move supports wagamama’s ability to...
www.fsrmagazine.com
That's just one I found.
And if you're someone making over 1 mill a year, unless your business/job absolutely requires you to be in NYC, it's very easy to leave to another state. I'm sure the motivation would make someone figure it out, vs. being forced to cough up your bread. I know I would be gone with the quickness.
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