Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has officially become an honorary citizen of Albania, marking a significant step toward his frequently stated ambition of leaving politics behind for an international lifestyle. The announcement was made public on Friday, confirming Adams' new status following a formal decree from Albanian President Bajram Begaj.
Recognition of Enduring Friendship
Adams, a Democrat who once styled himself as an "international mayor," received the honorary citizenship "at his request," according to the presidential decree. The news initially broke in Albanian media outlets before being verified by Adams' spokesperson, Todd Shapiro, who emphasized the former mayor's long-standing connections with the Albanian-American community.
"The decision by the Republic of Albania to grant Mayor Adams citizenship reflects that enduring relationship and mutual respect," Shapiro stated in a text message. He added that this recognition "further strengthens the bond between New York and Albania," highlighting the diplomatic significance of the gesture.
Adams' Albanian Connections
Adams has previously demonstrated a clear affinity for the small Balkan nation. His adult son resided in Albania while participating in the country's version of the popular television show "American Idol." In October, during his final months as mayor, Adams traveled to Albania himself as part of a series of international trips.
At the time, Adams explained that the purpose of his visit was "to say hello to a friend and learn from a friend and build a relationship with a friendship that will not allow our oceans or seas to divide us." This trip included meetings with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, members of his Cabinet, and local business leaders, with partial funding provided by the Albanian government.
International Aspirations and Controversies
While it remains unclear what specific plans Adams might have for his new citizenship, he has consistently expressed desires to relocate far from his New York City roots. In 2018, while serving as Brooklyn Borough President, Adams told an audience at an event honoring the Azerbaijan community that "When I retire from government, I'm going to live in Baku."
Later, in an interview with a Jewish publication, he mentioned the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights as another potential retirement destination. These international aspirations have sometimes intersected with controversy during his political career.
As mayor, Adams' frequent trips to Turkey prompted a federal indictment that included allegations of accepting improper travel benefits from foreign nationals. Adams denied these allegations, and the case was eventually ordered dropped by President Donald Trump's Justice Department. Following this, Adams engaged in discussions with Trump administration officials about a potential ambassadorship, though this opportunity never materialized.
Post-Mayoral Activities
Since concluding his troubled reelection campaign and leaving office, Adams has maintained an active international presence. He has been spotted in destinations including Dubai and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and he informed reporters of planned travel to Senegal for unspecified business opportunities.
In January, Adams launched a cryptocurrency coin that he claimed would combat antisemitism and "anti-Americanism." However, this venture attracted scrutiny after the coin lost millions of dollars in value, raising questions about its viability and purpose.
The granting of honorary Albanian citizenship represents both a personal milestone for Adams and a symbolic strengthening of international relations. As Adams continues to explore opportunities beyond American politics, this development underscores his ongoing commitment to building global connections and pursuing life abroad.
