European left-leaning politicians are traveling across the Atlantic to examine a campaign strategy they consider a model for resurgence – that of New York Assemblyman , a Democratic Socialist whose community-based organization has gained considerable notice well beyond his Queens constituency.
A report published Monday indicated that delegations from far-left parties in France, Germany, and the U.K. were in New York this week to directly observe Mamdani’s campaign. This group included the deputy leader of the U.K. Green Party, a parliamentary official from Germany’s Left (Die Linke) Party, and a French Member of the European Parliament. Their objective is to adapt this perceived successful campaign approach to secure further electoral wins for Europe’s hard-left political organizations.
Alan Mendoza, the executive director of the Henry Jackson Society in London, commented to Digital that “Five years ago, no one would have imagined New York embracing this. However, specific circumstances – a challenging economy, high cost of living, and an ineffective opposition – create a receptive environment. These same conditions are prevalent in numerous European cities, suggesting an immediate potential for similar developments.”
Mendoza further stated, “It’s entirely expected that they are here to analyze ,” he remarked. “It appears set for considerable success, and the prospect of an individual with his ideology and proposals being elected mayor of a globally renowned city is a significant advantage for all who share his political leanings worldwide.”
Mendoza characterized Mamdani as a “pioneer” for groups that have frequently found it difficult to secure significant public offices in Western democratic systems. “He is achieving wins where far-left politicians have historically faced losses,” he noted. “His strategies, his manner, his declarations – his method of building a ruling coalition, will be closely observed by analogous hard-left figures globally.”
Mamdani has established his support in New York via local neighborhood activism, a method European politicians view as a way to invigorate the electorate. Jeremy Corbyn, the former leader of the U.K.’s Labour Party and current head of the nascent Your Party, announced on social media that he and his team participated in phone banking efforts for Mamdani.
Corbyn posted the phone-banking link, which directs to a website set up by the NYC chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, encouraging volunteers to rally voters for Mamdani.
Mendoza cautioned that adopting Mamdani’s ideological framework might intensify political division. He stated, “Europe is typically more statist and generally further left-leaning than America already. Therefore, if he can succeed in New York, why couldn’t a ? The fundamental query is whether such policies would genuinely be effective – and past experience indicates they are not.”
Mendoza rejected the idea that identity was a primary contributor to Mamdani’s achievements, notwithstanding discussions about his immigrant origins. “This is not about ethnicity,” he asserted. “It concerns his ideology – which can be embraced by individuals regardless of their birthplace.”
‘ Emma Bussey provided contributions to this report.