The “Ministry of Propaganda”: Zoharan Mamdani causes a new storm in New York

Mamdani’s critics say the move is reminiscent of Soviet-era politics, using public funds to quell opposition to his agenda. “This is pure politics at a time when real services are needed,” said Democratic political consultant Hank Sheinkopf. “We have real deficits, and the mayor is spending five million dollars to put 40 political activists on the list of wage earners. It is morally incomprehensible and outrageous.”

The stated goal of the bureau is to integrate residents and disadvantaged communities in decision-making processes. The office’s first task involves recruiting volunteers and going door-to-door using tactics reminiscent of the Democratic Socialists of America, which helped Mamdani win the election. These days, the office’s employees are conducting tours of the city’s neighborhoods to encourage residents to participate in hearings ahead of a vote on the rent freeze – Mamdani’s election promise that may affect about two million tenants.

Among the senior recruits can be found prominent political activists, including Tasha Van Auken, the field manager of Mamdani’s election campaign, who was appointed commissioner of the office. In response to the criticism, the representative of the municipality clarified that the office is also contacting apartment owners’ organizations to invite them to testify at the hearings, and claimed that the office will not promote a specific result. “Every resident of New York should have a say about the future of their city,” it said.