mayors

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his address at the UN General Assembly to attack Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate for New York City mayor. The remarks drew attention because a foreign leader weighing in on an American municipal election is unusual, and reactions split sharply along political lines, with critics calling it interference and supporters defending his comments.

France's far right has made gains in indirect Senate elections, where mayors and local councillors choose half of the upper house's seats. The results point to the National Rally's continued expansion beyond its traditional strongholds. Observers see the vote as another sign of the party's growing normalization and mainstream acceptance in French politics.

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, says he will make social care reform a central pledge at the next election, according to Reuters. Burnham has long campaigned for overhaul of England's funding and provision of adult social care, an issue successive governments have promised but failed to resolve. The announcement puts pressure on national political parties ahead of the next UK general election.

A close look at the Taipei City mayoral contest frames it as a battle between a well-connected KMT candidate from a political family and a DPP outsider. Although Taipei has long been considered a KMT stronghold, support for the DPP's candidate Puma Shen is rising sharply and unexpectedly, prompting debate about whether the race is more competitive than previously assumed and what that could mean for the party's hold on the capital.

Following a series of taxi driver deaths, the drivers' union is pressing Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to establish a dedicated health fund for taxi drivers. The union argues that years of financial hardship in the industry have taken a severe toll on drivers' health, and is calling on the incoming administration to commit funding as an early priority.

An independent candidate won the first round of the Kraków mayoral election, finishing ahead of the candidate backed by Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The result is a setback for Tusk's governing coalition in a major city and forces a second-round runoff. Commenters are weighing what it means for the government's standing ahead of future national votes.

Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah is reportedly under tight security arrangements, with claims that the United States has granted him special importance. Nepali-language coverage links the story to broader discussions involving Donald Trump, Rabi Lamichhane and Sudan. Details about the nature of the security measures or Washington's reported interest remain sparse.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has put forward a proposal to create an NHS-style social care system for England, arguing that care should be provided free at the point of use in the same way as health services. The idea reignites a long-running debate over how England funds and organises adult social care, an issue that has defied successive governments' reform attempts.

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has been warned that he cannot wait until the next general election to begin the process of rejoining the European Union. The message reflects growing impatience among pro-EU voices who argue the groundwork for closer ties with Brussels must start now rather than be deferred until after the next election.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has avoided direct questions about the Heathrow third runway, a project now reportedly facing a four-year delay. The Heathrow expansion has long divided Labour figures, with Burnham among the party's prominent opponents of airport expansion, and his refusal to comment is drawing attention amid fresh questions over the scheme's timetable and the government's growth-versus-climate balancing act.

Results for the 2026 French senatorial elections, which renew part of the upper house of parliament, have been compiled and shared with an accompanying results box. The Senate is elected indirectly by grand electors, mayors and local councillors rather than by direct universal suffrage, so coverage focuses on the balance of power between political groups in the chamber.

Donald Trump has again spoken warmly about New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a progressive Democrat, in what Politico describes as the latest such display of cordiality between the two. The outlet argues the timing is awkward for Republicans, who have sought to portray Mamdani's brand of democratic socialism as a threat ahead of coming electoral contests.

Andy Burnham has signalled he would fight the next election on a platform of raising taxes to fund social care reform. The Greater Manchester mayor has long argued that care should be funded through general taxation rather than left to individuals, and the comments suggest he intends to make the issue central to his pitch. The stance sets up a potential clash within Labour over tax policy and puts social care reform back on the political agenda.

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has pledged to put forward a plan for social care reform at the next UK election. The pledge, reported by Reuters and other outlets, addresses the long-running crisis in England's care system, where funding shortfalls and workforce shortages have left many unable to afford support. Burnham has long campaigned for a national care service, and the promise positions social care as a likely election battleground.

Saturday Night Live opened its new season with a sketch mocking the relationship between Donald Trump and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. The Washington Post covered the bit, which played on the two men's political rivalry and Trump's comments about the race. The sketch has drawn attention as Mamdani's candidacy remains a focal point of national political conversation.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has announced an equity loan scheme aimed at helping first-time buyers get on the property ladder and stimulating the regional housing market. The scheme, reported by building and housing trade press, would mirror the model of government Help to Buy-style shared equity support. Details on funding levels and eligibility have yet to be widely reported.

Former Indianapolis mayor Greg Ballard is launching a political comeback, saying he is running again while no longer identifying with the GOP. In an interview with IndyStar, Ballard explained his reasons for returning to public life and his break with the party he once represented. His decision adds to ongoing discussion about moderates distancing themselves from the Republican Party.

Seoul's mayor says home prices in the city's outer districts are leveling up rather than leveling out, meaning values in less central neighborhoods continue to climb rather than converge with or cool toward earlier trends. The comment addresses persistent concerns about housing affordability and the spread of price increases beyond Seoul's traditionally expensive central areas.

Comedian Ramy Youssef portrayed New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani in the season opener of Saturday Night Live. The sketch marked the show's return and put the newly prominent mayor at the center of its political comedy, drawing attention from viewers discussing the portrayal of one of the city's most talked-about political figures.

The campaign launches of the two main contenders for mayor of New Taipei City are drawing attention. The KMT has put forward Hammer Lee (李四川), a former deputy mayor of Taipei City, while the DPP is running Legislator Su Chiao-hui (蘇巧慧). Analysts note New Taipei is widely seen as a barometer of Taiwan's local elections, giving the contest national significance.

Politicians are adopting the 'Mamdani method', the campaign playbook associated with New York assemblyman and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, built on grassroots organising, viral digital content and bold progressive messaging. Coverage is examining which elements of his approach translate to other races and which depend on his specific profile and electorate.

Balen Shah, mayor of Kathmandu, has proposed a Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism aimed at addressing the environmental threats facing Nepal's mountain region. The initiative focuses on protecting Himalayan ecosystems and communities from the impacts of climate change, and the proposal is drawing attention across South Asia, where glacial melt and extreme weather are pressing concerns.

A political committee called the Better Jacksonville Committee has been formed, which Florida Politics reports is the latest sign that state Representative Wyman Duggan is preparing to launch a campaign for Jacksonville mayor. The filing adds to indications that the Republican lawmaker is moving toward a bid, giving him a vehicle to raise and spend money ahead of an official announcement.

Saturday Night Live aired a comedy sketch parodying what it framed as a friendly rapport between Donald Trump and New York mayor-elect Zahi Mamdani, while also mocking Trump ally Natalie Harp. The segment is drawing attention as commentary on the surprising thaw between the president and the democratic socialist mayor-elect following their recent White House meeting.