Former NYC Mayor Eric Adams Becomes Honorary Albanian Citizen

Adams, a Democrat, received the citizenship 'at his request,' according to an official decree from the country's president.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:18am

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A serene oil painting depicting an Albanian flag gently waving in the warm sunlight of an urban street, with deep shadows cast across the pavement, conveying a sense of quiet civic pride and international connection.The honorary Albanian citizenship granted to former New York City mayor Eric Adams symbolizes his global outlook and aspirations beyond the confines of local politics.NYC Today

Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on 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. The news was first reported in the Albanian press and confirmed by a spokesperson for Adams, who said the ex-mayor had 'long been a friend and ally of the Albanian-American community' and that the recognition 'further strengthens the bond between New York and Albania'.

Why it matters

Adams, who once described himself as an 'international mayor,' has previously expressed an affinity for Albania and traveled there multiple times, including a trip in his final months as mayor. The decision to grant him citizenship reflects the close relationship between Adams and the small Balkan nation, though it's unclear what, if anything, he plans to do with his new citizenship.

The details

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, who said the ex-mayor had 'long been a friend and ally of the Albanian-American community.' As mayor, Adams' penchant for international trips to Turkey prompted a federal indictment focused, in part, on allegations that he accepted improper travel benefits from foreign nationals, though the case was later ordered dropped.

  • On April 10, 2026, former New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that he had become a citizen of Albania.
  • In October, Adams traveled to Albania, saying the 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.'

The players

Eric Adams

The former Democratic mayor of New York City who has expressed a desire to move abroad and has developed a close relationship with Albania, including receiving honorary citizenship from the country.

Bajram Begaj

The president of Albania who officially granted Adams honorary citizenship.

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What they’re saying

“The decision by the Republic of Albania to grant Mayor Adams citizenship reflects that enduring relationship and mutual respect.”

— Todd Shapiro, Spokesperson for Eric Adams

“When I retire from government, I'm going to live in Baku.”

— Eric Adams

What’s next

It remains unclear what, if anything, Adams plans to do with his new Albanian citizenship, though he has previously expressed a desire to move abroad after retiring from politics.

The takeaway

Adams' honorary Albanian citizenship reflects the close relationship he has developed with the small Balkan nation, though his motivations and future plans remain uncertain. The move comes after a federal indictment and scrutiny over his international travel as mayor, raising questions about his political ambitions and commitment to New York City.