Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has officially become an honorary citizen of Albania, adding a new chapter to his long running image as a global traveler and self described international figure. The citizenship was granted by Albanian President Bajram Begaj through a special decree issued at Adams’s request.
According to Associated Press reporting, the move reflects Adams’s longstanding relationship with the Albanian American community and his broader interest in international ties. A spokesperson for Adams said the symbolic honor further strengthens the connection between New York and Albania.
Adams had visited Albania in 2025, where he promoted stronger ties in tourism and technology and spoke positively about the country’s development. The Guardian reported that the new citizenship comes after a turbulent period following his time in office, which included legal and political controversy, although the federal corruption case against him was later dropped.
The exact practical impact of the new citizenship remains unclear, but the development fits Adams’s earlier public remarks about retiring abroad. Over the years, he had openly spoken about the possibility of one day living outside the United States, making the Albanian decision both symbolic and politically eye catching.
The announcement has drawn attention not only because of Adams’s unusual political style, but also because it turns what was once a rhetorical identity as a citizen of the world into something more literal.
