Russian communists hail victory of ‘partner’ Mamdani
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is viewed as a potential “partner” by the Communist Party of Russia (KPRF), its deputy chairman has said.
Speaking to Kommersant on Thursday, MP Leonid Kalashnikov said Mamdani’s proposals to increase taxes on the wealthy closely resemble policies advocated by the party.
“He is indeed a communist in some respects, even though his movement is called the Democratic Socialists of America,” Kalashnikov remarked. Russian communists will observe Mamdani’s actual governance before forming a final opinion, he added.
Kalashnikov noted that both groups are linked through their association with the Sao Paulo Forum, a South American coalition of left-wing anti-imperialist parties, which, he said, makes Mamdani “our partner.”
Mamdani’s victory this week in the heavily Democratic city came despite fierce opposition from conservatives and little enthusiasm from mainstream Democrats. President Donald Trump branded him a “communist lunatic,” predicting that his policies would push New Yorkers to flee the city for Miami.
Trump publicly endorsed Mamdani’s rival, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent after failing to secure the Democratic nomination during the primary election in June.
While Mamdani rejects the communist label, his platform emphasized reforms aimed at easing New York’s cost-of-living crisis, including rent freezes, fare-free public transport, and other social programs.
The 34-year-old Muslim politician of Indian descent faced lukewarm support from the Democratic establishment. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who represents the state of New York, withheld his endorsement, while New York State Democratic Party chair Jay Jacobs and other figures openly opposed Mamdani’s candidacy. Some observers suggested that the tepid reception was due to his criticisms of Israel rather than socialist ideas.
