Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams revealed on Friday that he has obtained honorary citizenship from Albania, moving him closer to his frequently stated goal of pursuing life overseas after leaving politics.
Albania’s President Bajram Begaj granted the honorary citizenship to Adams, a Democrat, following a formal request, according to an official presidential decree.
Albanian media outlets first broke the story, which was subsequently verified by Adams’ representative, who noted that the former mayor has maintained strong ties with Albanian-American communities for years.
“The decision by the Republic of Albania to grant Mayor Adams citizenship reflects that enduring relationship and mutual respect,” spokesperson Todd Shapiro stated via text message, noting that this recognition “further strengthens the bond between New York and Albania.”
Adams, who previously referred to himself as an “international mayor,” has demonstrated ongoing interest in the small Balkan country. His grown son resided in Albania while participating in the nation’s equivalent of “American Idol,” and Adams himself visited the country in October during his final months as mayor.
During that visit, he explained his purpose 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.”
Adams’ specific plans for his new citizenship status remain unclear. However, he has consistently voiced aspirations to relocate far from New York City after his political career.
“When I retire from government, I’m going to live in Baku,” Adams declared during a 2018 Azerbaijan community event while serving as Brooklyn Borough President. Later, in a conversation with a Jewish media outlet, he mentioned wanting to spend his retirement in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.
During his mayoral tenure, Adams’ frequent international travel, particularly to Turkey, led to federal charges partly based on claims he accepted inappropriate travel perks from foreign contacts.
Adams rejected these accusations, and the Trump administration’s Justice Department subsequently dismissed the case. Adams later discussed potential ambassadorial positions with Trump officials, though no appointment occurred.
Following his unsuccessful reelection campaign, Adams took a four-day Albanian trip, where he met with Prime Minister Edi Rama, cabinet members, and business leaders. The Albanian government partially funded this journey.
Since departing office, Adams has been seen in Dubai and the Democratic Republic of Congo, though his current activities remain largely mysterious.
This January, he introduced a cryptocurrency that he claimed would combat antisemitism and “anti-Americanism,” but the venture faced criticism after losing substantial value.
