Lula meets Mamdani in New York

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday for a first chat between two of the biggest names of the political left in the Americas ahead of key elections in both Brazil and the United States. Lula is in the US for the United Nations General Assembly and received Mamdani in an Upper East Side house that serves as the residence and office of the Brazilian representation to the UN. Lula said in a brief declaration to reporters after the meeting that the two talked about problems that are common to both countries, particularly the rising cost of living. Mamdani said he would take inspiration from the Brazilian, who had implemented social programs for the poor in Brazil, as he seeks to improve conditions for New Yorkers facing financial pressure for things like groceries and rent.