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New York City’s mayoral race thrust Zohran Mamdani and his platform into a fierce transatlantic debate. Critics at home called free buses, universal childcare, city-run groceries and rent freezes unaffordable, while European voices said such programs are routine. Examples ranged from Tallinn’s fare-free transit and Istanbul’s municipal groceries to Portugal and Berlin’s childcare systems and Finland’s baby box. In the U.S., New Mexico recently became the first state to offer free childcare to all residents. Mamdani’s rent-freeze pledge drew sharp attacks, yet Berlin’s short-lived freeze briefly boosted support for new housing, researchers found.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.