Eric Adams Awarded Albanian Citizenship Following High-Profile Visit
Former New York City mayor Eric Adams has officially obtained citizenship and a passport from Albania, a Balkan country he visited and praised extensively during his tenure. This development was confirmed by a spokesperson for Adams and reported by Albanian media outlets.
Presidential Decree Grants Citizenship
The Albania Daily News first reported that Adams requested citizenship, which was granted by a special decree from Albania's president, Bajram Begaj. An English translation of the official government journal entry states, "I decree granting citizenship ... upon ... Eric Leroy Adams." The decree took effect immediately and was published in the official gazette.
Background of Adams' Albanian Connection
Adams traveled to Albania for four days in October, toward the end of his term as mayor of New York City. During the visit, he met with Prime Minister Edi Rama to discuss enhanced collaboration in tourism and technology. Adams also expressed support for establishing a direct flight from New York to Albania and commended Tirana, the capital, as a "thriving community and city moving in the right direction."
Adams' Political Career and Recent Controversies
A former NYPD captain, Adams served as mayor from 2022 to 2025. He withdrew from seeking the Democratic nomination for re-election amid a federal corruption case, which was later dismissed after intervention from the Trump administration. Adams then campaigned as an independent before endorsing former New York governor Andrew Cuomo and criticizing progressive nominee Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani ultimately won the election, becoming New York City's first Muslim mayor.
In March, Mamdani's administration moved to stop representing Adams in a lawsuit alleging sexual assault from 1993. Adams has denied the allegations, which claim he demanded a sexual favor in exchange for career advancement while both worked in the transit police bureau.
Legal Basis for Citizenship Grant
According to legal sources in Tirana, Albania allows foreign adults to acquire immediate citizenship when it is deemed in the national interest, provided they do not pose a public safety threat. Adams' spokesperson, Todd Shapiro, stated that the citizenship grant "reflects an enduring relationship and mutual respect" and strengthens ties between New York and Albania.
This move highlights the ongoing diplomatic and cultural exchanges between the United States and Albania, with Adams' case serving as a notable example of international recognition for political figures.
