Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has officially become a citizen of Albania, a move that aligns with his longstanding ambition to step away from the political arena and embrace life outside the United States. The announcement was made on Friday, marking a significant step for the former mayor who has often expressed a desire to leave politics behind.
### Albanian Citizenship Granted
The honorary citizenship was granted to Adams at his request, as confirmed by a decree issued by Albanian President Bajram Begaj. An official spokesperson for Adams conveyed that this recognition reflects the enduring relationship between the former mayor and the Albanian-American community. “The decision by the Republic of Albania to grant Mayor Adams citizenship reflects that enduring relationship and mutual respect,” spokesperson Todd Shapiro stated. He emphasized that the grant of citizenship “further strengthens the bond between New York and Albania.”
This development was initially reported in the Albanian media before being corroborated by representatives close to Adams. Throughout his political career, Adams has often highlighted his connections with various international communities, particularly those in Albania.
### A Connection to Albania
Adams has previously expressed personal ties to Albania. His adult son lived in the country while participating in a local rendition of “American Idol,” which has contributed to the former mayor’s affinity for the Balkan nation. In October 2022, Adams visited Albania during one of several international trips he undertook during the concluding months of his administration. He described the trip as an opportunity to foster relationships, stating he sought to “say hello to a friend and learn from a friend.”
While Adams has not detailed specific plans regarding his Albanian citizenship, his previous statements suggest a strong desire to move away from his birthplace, New York City. In earlier remarks, he mentioned aspirations to retire in far-off places, including Baku and the Golan Heights, indicating a penchant for international living.
### Controversies and Travels
Adams’s tenure as mayor was marked by a number of high-profile international trips, including visits to Turkey that came under scrutiny. Allegations emerged that Adams had accepted inappropriate travel benefits from foreign nationals, leading to a federal indictment. However, he denied these claims, and the case was eventually dropped by the Justice Department during President Donald Trump’s administration. Despite the controversies, Adams later engaged in discussions with Trump officials regarding a potential ambassadorship, though this opportunity did not materialize.
Following the conclusion of his mayoral term, Adams visited Albania again, shortly after withdrawing from his reelection campaign. During this trip, he met with Prime Minister Edi Rama and other government officials, as well as business leaders. The Albanian government partially funded the trip, further deepening Adams’s ties to the country.
### Current Activities
Since stepping down from office, Adams’s whereabouts and activities have garnered attention. He has been spotted in various international locations, including Dubai and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the specifics of his daily routine remain largely undisclosed, leading to speculation regarding his post-political life.
In January 2023, Adams launched a cryptocurrency coin aimed at combating antisemitism and anti-American sentiment. Despite initial hype, the coin attracted criticism after suffering significant financial losses, raising questions about its viability and the judgment behind its creation.
As Eric Adams embarks on this new chapter of his life with Albanian citizenship, observers will be keenly watching his future endeavors and how he chooses to navigate the opportunities presented to him beyond governmental roles.
Source: Original Reporting
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