Peovic says Mamdani’s victory signals a new era for democratic socialism

Peovic stressed that Mamdani’s success transcends the local level of politics:

“Zohran Mamdani’s victory should be viewed as an optimistic historical moment – in the sense of opening up possibilities for a more radical critique of capitalism, which oppresses and limits most of us in terms of how we can live and work”, she said, adding that this change is taking place at a time when many people are aware that social inequalities between the richest and the majority are growing.

According to her, Mamdani’s democratic socialism offers a form of social policy aimed at a fairer distribution of essential goods and services, as well as a more sustainable and equitable way of life in urban communities.

“This is not a classic radical critique of capitalism in the sense of anti-capitalist projections of how to overcome the fundamental elements of the capitalist economy, because that is difficult to achieve at a local level”, she explained.

“Mamdani stands on the shoulders of Sanders and those before him”

Peovic emphasized that Mamdani’s political success should not be seen as an isolated case, but as a continuation of the progressive tradition within the American left.

“Zohran Mamdani opens up possibilities for other socialist options, and he himself stands on the shoulders of those who came before him”, she said, adding that it is important that Mamdani recognizes and publicly acknowledges this.

“It is particularly inspiring that he refers to Bernie Sanders as his mentor and role model”, Peovic added, noting that Sanders, as a senior politician, creates space for younger generations who follow his path.

She believes that the term democratic socialism is increasingly perceived in a positive light today, as citizens are more aware of the economic inequalities surrounding them.

“People today find the concept of democratic socialism acceptable because many identify with it, as it’s clear to everyone that capital oppresses us and that the social divide between the majority and the wealthiest is widening”, she said, adding that although, in general, people may live better than before, the differences between the richest 1% and the remaining 99% are enormous.

“The elites convince us that change is impossible”

Later in the program, Peovic warned of the mechanisms through which, in her view, economic elites maintain the existing system.

Peovic reminded viewers that for decades there were blockades of political imagination that prevented public debate about overcoming the limitations of capitalism.

“For decades, the prevailing notion was that there is no alternative. Why? Because neoliberal elites impose the idea that we must accept that change is impossible”, she concluded.

Political hope and the need for transformation

Speaking about political hope, Peovic highlighted the victory of American democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in the New York mayoral election as a positive example.

“Zohran Mamdani’s victory gives optimism to the left – we need to mobilize the working class more decisively and focus on economic policies that aim to overcome the key elements of capitalism”, she said, adding that this is not a process that can happen overnight but one that is essential if we want to avoid ecological and social catastrophe.

“If we fail to do so, we will face ecological collapse, wars will continue to flare up, and the future will not be bright”, Peovic concluded in N1’s Izvan okvira program.

Katarina Peovic is a media theorist, university professor, and member of Croatia’s left-wing political party Workers’ Front (Radnička fronta). She is known for her critical analyses of capitalism, social inequality, and the role of the media in shaping public discourse. Peović has also been active in advocating for democratic socialism, labor rights, and policies focused on social and environmental justice.