NEW YORK — Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams publicly celebrated his appointment as an honorary citizen of Albania, a move linked to his vision of stepping away from public life for a global adventure.
Adams, who served as a Democrat mayor, received this honorary citizenship at his request from Albanian President Bajram Begaj. As confirmed by Adams' spokesperson Todd Shapiro, this gesture recognizes Adams’ longstanding relationship with the Albanian-American community.
Adams has expressed admiration for Albania and a desire to establish deeper ties with the region. This can be traced back to personal visits, including a trip in October to meet with various Albanian officials and business leaders shortly after stepping down from his role as mayor.
Notably, Adams's son had competed in a local rendition of “American Idol” in Albania, further deepening his familial connection to the country. “The decision by the Republic of Albania to grant Mayor Adams citizenship reflects that enduring relationship and mutual respect,” Shapiro remarked.
While the former mayor’s intentions regarding his new citizenship remain largely undisclosed, he has hinted at aspirations of relocating far from New York City, exploring options in regions like Azerbaijan and the Golan Heights in previous statements. Adams’s interest in international travel and relations was a hallmark of his tenure as mayor.
Additionally, his recent activities have seen him involved in diverse locations, mentioning business pursuits in Senegal and cryptocurrency ventures aimed at combating antisemitism. The development of citizenship in Albania could signify the start of a new chapter in his post-political life.
