NEW YORK (Flux Daily) — Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Friday that he had become a citizen of Albania, putting him one step closer to his oft-repeated dream of leaving politics behind for a life abroad.
Adams, a Democrat, received the honorary citizenship “at his request,” according to an official decree from the country’s president, Bajram Begaj.
The news was first reported in the Albanian press and confirmed by a spokesperson for Adams, stating that he had “long been a friend and ally of the Albanian-American community.”
“The decision by the Republic of Albania to grant Mayor Adams citizenship reflects that enduring relationship and mutual respect,” said spokesperson Todd Shapiro, emphasizing that the recognition “further strengthens the bond between New York and Albania.”
Adams, who once described himself as an “international mayor,” has shown a fondness for the small Balkan nation. His son lived in Albania while competing in that country’s version of “American Idol,” and Adams visited in October, one of several international trips during his last months in office.
Previously, he noted: “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.”
It wasn’t immediately clear what Adams plans to do with his new citizenship. However, he has repeatedly expressed a desire to live far from New York, with past comments indicating a wish to retire in places like Baku and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Adams' international trips while in office raised eyebrows, even leading to a federal indictment related to allegations of receiving improper travel benefits. Those charges were dropped, and subsequent discussions about an ambassadorship with the Trump administration went unfulfilled.
Since leaving office, Adams has been seen in Dubai and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has also mentioned plans to visit Senegal for a business opportunity yet to be detailed.
In a notable venture, he launched a cryptocurrency aimed at combating antisemitism which faced criticism due to losing significant value.
