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Democrat Zaharan Mamdani, outspoken opponent of US President Donald Trump, formally takes office Thursday as New York City mayor, facing multiple challenges.
Elected in November on left-wing platform, 34-year-old Mamdani takes oath at historic subway station in Manhattan during brief ceremony led by New York State Attorney General Letitia James, long-time Trump critic who won 2024 fraud case against him.
First Muslim mayor of New York swears oath on copy of Quran held by his wife, Syrian-origin artist Rama Dogy. Quran previously belonged to prominent Harlem cultural figure, writer and historian Arturo Schomburg, who dies in 1938.
Mamdani says choice of Old City station, abandoned landmark with elegant 1904 architecture and stained-glass windows, symbolises city that dares to be beautiful while capable of changing lives of working classes.
Oath takes place at midnight as thousands celebrate New Year in Times Square.
After limited inauguration, larger ceremony scheduled around noon at City Hall, led by US left-wing figures Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Tens of thousands expected to attend public celebration with live broadcasts, music and performances along Broadway.
Mamdani wins election on platform openly opposing Trump, particularly on economy and immigration. He later visits White House for talks with president in unexpectedly cordial meeting.
Unclear whether Trump abandons campaign threats to deploy National Guard to New York or cut federal funding.
Columbia University political scientist Lincoln Mitchell tells AFP Trump likely to send more immigration officers to New York if advisers Stephen Miller or Vice President JD Vance recommend it.
Voters expect new mayor to confront White House firmly.
With limited political experience, Mamdani faces pressure to deliver campaign promises ahead of midterm congressional elections.
Self-described socialist builds platform around tackling cost-of-living crisis, especially housing, in city of 8.5 million.
Predecessor Eric Adams, whose term marred by corruption allegations, seeks to block key proposal to freeze rents for more than 1 million apartments by appointing allies to relevant board.
Details of other pledges yet to emerge, including building 200,000 affordable homes, universal childcare, state-run discount supermarkets and free public transport.
Mamdani, one of youngest mayors in city history, previously serves only as state assembly representative.
Despite criticism over inexperience, he surrounds himself with seasoned team, including figures from previous administrations such as Joe Biden’s.
He also opens dialogue with business community, despite fears of wealthy exodus that has not materialised, according to property executives.
AFP