Chinese “dictator for life” Xi Jinping is not a dictator, according to former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. In fact, Bloomberg claimed this week during an interview with Firing Line host Margaret Hoover, Xi is like basically any other duly elected leader in that he is beholden to his constituents.

Bloomberg, dubbed the “nanny” when he served as mayor, made the case for the Chinese strongman amid a larger discussion regarding efforts to curb climate change.