During a September 2025 interview, Zohran Mamdani, now the mayor of New York, carefully sidestepped calling Miguel Díaz-Canel and Nicolás Maduro "dictators" while he was still a candidate for the position.
The conversation unfolded on the podcast 'The Moment,' hosted by journalist Jorge Ramos and his daughter Paola Ramos. During their discussion, Ramos directly questioned Mamdani about whether he viewed the leaders of Cuba and Venezuela as dictators.
Instead of a straightforward answer, Mamdani replied, "I haven't thought much about Miguel Díaz-Canel, to be honest." Regarding Maduro, he added, "I think he's done many terrible things, and his government is undoubtedly one of repression... but I just don't think about them that often."
Throughout the interview, Mamdani avoided using the term "dictator," even when Ramos pressed him to clarify his stance on recognizing those regimes as such.
A Different Perspective on Socialism
In the discussion, the current mayor explained that his notion of 'democratic socialism' is unrelated to the repression experienced by Cubans or Venezuelans. Instead, it focuses on "ensuring every New Yorker can lead a dignified life." He advocated for policies such as affordable housing, free public transportation, and universal childcare.
Mamdani acknowledged that many Latino immigrants in New York feel unsettled by the word 'socialist' because they fled regimes that used that label to justify repression.
Political Impact Among Communities
Although his remarks were made before his election, they have resurfaced and sparked debate among Cuban and Venezuelan communities in New York, who criticize his reluctance to explicitly denounce two of the hemisphere's most oppressive governments.
Questions About Mamdani's Stance
Why did Mamdani avoid calling Díaz-Canel and Maduro dictators?
Mamdani avoided the term "dictator" to possibly align with his political strategy or ideology, focusing instead on his vision of democratic socialism which emphasizes dignity for New Yorkers.
How have Mamdani's remarks affected his political standing?
His remarks have stirred controversy among Cuban and Venezuelan communities in New York, who criticize his ambiguous stance towards two oppressive governments.