Part 7/10:
A central issue fueling debate is Mamdani’s platform, which includes pledges of at least $10 billion in free services, such as universal childcare and housing subsidies. Critics, including Catsimatidis and the Wall Street Journal, have argued that Mamdani’s promises are unfounded and unfeasible. They compare his campaign to historical populist leaders, suggesting he is making false claims about funding and dismissing the severity of New York's budget constraints and economic realities.