Pedro Sánchez Meets Zohran Mamdani in New York to Discuss Economy and Social Policies

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday, September 23, during Sánchez’s visit to New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The meeting took place at Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the New York City mayor, and marked the first time the two politicians met in person.

Sánchez and Mamdani participated in a forum titled “Building an Economy for the Majority,” alongside other international political figures. The discussion focused on economic and social policies, including wages, housing affordability, inequality and the role of government in addressing economic pressures on ordinary citizens.

During the event, Mamdani highlighted Spain’s increase in its minimum wage and pointed to the country’s social policies as an example of measures aimed at improving workers’ living standards. Sánchez, meanwhile, argued that Spain’s experience showed that alternative economic models were possible.

The Spanish prime minister also drew a connection between his government’s policies and Mamdani’s agenda in New York, saying that both cities could demonstrate different approaches to economic policy.

The meeting came as Sánchez was in New York for the UN General Assembly, where he has been holding a series of international engagements. Mamdani has previously expressed support for Sánchez’s international progressive forums, including a video message at an April gathering in Barcelona that Sánchez hosted.

The encounter also attracted attention because both leaders have publicly advocated policies centred on affordability, social programmes and support for working people. However, Spanish government sources said the meeting was organised around a shared policy outlook rather than as an effort to directly confront U.S. President Donald Trump.

The New York meeting places Sánchez and Mamdani among a group of international political figures exchanging ideas on economic policy and social governance as debates over inequality, housing costs and the cost of living continue in major cities around the world.