Mamdani: the victory of the progressive agenda

Zohran Mamdani's victory in the New York City mayoral election demonstrates the power of pro-working class policies even in a time of public abstention from politics. It is a victory that made clear the people's need for change in a world of vast economic inequality. But it is also a victory that could inspire Greece's fractured progressive parties.

Starting with the election's political background, Mamdani had to face former Governor Andrew Cuomo, whom he had already defeated once in the Democratic primary. Of course, his opponent was clearly more moderate and therefore much more beloved by the system. Thus, together, Cuomo, his wealthy donors, and President Trump himself opposed Mamdani’s “extreme policies.” Of course, they were defeated, because the people of New York have to deal with ever-increasing rents, accuracy, and inequalities that the system has not wanted to solve.

Έτσι, με αυτά τα προβλήματα ως βασικά σημεία της καμπάνιας του, ο Zohran Mamdani, πρότεινε επαναστατικές λύσεις για τους πολίτες της Νέας Υόρκης. Πρώτον ανήγγειλε την κατασκευή 200 χιλιάδων κοινωνικών κατοικιών (υπερδιπλασιάζοντας τις 180 χιλιάδες που προϋπήρχαν), για τη δημιουργία πτωτικών τάσεων στις τιμές των ενοικίων αλλά και μία φθηνότερη εναλλακτική στέγασης. Στο ίδιο μήκος κύματος, ανήγγειλε δημοτικά, μη κερδοσκοπικά, σουπερμάρκετ και πάλι με στόχο την μείωση των τιμών. Τέλος, για το θέμα των κοινωνικών ανισοτήτων, έθεσε στόχο την αύξηση του κατώτατου μισθού στα 30 δολάρια την ώρα (αυτή τη στιγμή βρίσκεται στα 16)  για να συμβαδίζει με τις πραγματικές ανάγκες των εργαζομένων που το MIT υπολογίζει στο ύψος των 28 δολαρίων την ώρα.

And that brings us to Greece. The three main issues of the Mamdani campaign are shared by Greek citizens. Perhaps in a country-wide context, public supermarkets are difficult to create, but social housing is not. In fact, Greece does not have a social housing program as have many other countries in Europe, despite the fact that Greek people spend a bigger percentage for housing than any other EU country. Similarly, larger strides can be made towards the minimum wage, which remains far behind the rate of inflation.

But besides Mamdani's policies, what can the Greek progressive forces learn from his campaign? The main thing is that the world is open to ambitious progressive programs even if the elite try at every opportunity to undermine them. But this ambition must be combined with analysing the cost of the solutions and the funding needed. In this regard, the new Mayor was clear: taxing large corporations and the 1% of the richest citizens. This is not in a spirit of vindictiveness but with the conviction that by helping the lower classes, the lives of all social strata will improve, in a fairer and happier city.

It is no coincidence, in conclusion, that the whole world was tuned in to the New York elections. It was a clash between the elite and progressive forces that will have major implications for the political future worldwide. As for Greece, the objective is to have young people (the Mayor is only 34 years old) who will have the courage to bring this wave of political change to our country. It requires bravery to fight and be fought by a system that does not want to change. Zohran Mamdani and his supporters did exactly that and emerged victorious, reminding us that change is not just possible. It is crucial.