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Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has become an Albanian citizen. The move has sparked suspicions and discussions in the American media, which question his intentions and plans for the future after a series of international engagements…
Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been toying with the idea of living abroad for years. Now he has the document to prove it: he has officially become an Albanian citizen, thanks to a presidential decree signed by Bajram Begaj. The citizenship was granted at Adams' own request, and although it is largely ceremonial, it clearly shows the orientation he has had for a long time.
His spokesman, Todd Shapiro, confirmed the news after reports in Albanian media, calling Adams a longtime ally of the Albanian-American community. According to him, this citizenship reflects years of mutual respect and strengthens cultural ties between New York and Albania. At first glance, this appears to be a positive story, although Adams has a history of similar gestures abroad that have often raised questions in the US.
A mayor who always looked beyond
Long before he lost his bid for re-election, Adams had signaled his desire to leave. He described himself as an “international mayor.” His adult son lived in Albania, where he competed on the local version of “American Idol.” In October, Adams himself visited Albania, on one of several international trips in the final months of his term, describing the visit in language that often impressed his hosts but left his voters confused.
Albania was not the first case of such a connection. In 2018, as mayor of Brooklyn, he declared at an event for the Azerbaijani community that he planned to retire to Baku. Later, he mentioned the Golan Heights as his dream destination. Whether these statements were personal convictions or adaptations to the audience, the pattern remains the same: the idea of leaving has been a constant part of his profile.
Investigations and controversies during trips abroad
His international engagement has not been without consequences. A federal indictment accused him of improperly obtaining benefits from foreign nationals, with particular attention to frequent trips to Turkey. Adams denied the charges, and the case was later closed by the Justice Department during the Trump administration. After that, he held talks with officials about a possible diplomatic role, but without concrete results.
Shortly after withdrawing from the race for re-election, Adams made a four-day visit to Albania, where he met with Prime Minister Edi Rama, members of the government, and business representatives. The visit was partially funded by the Albanian government, which, in the context of his legal past, attracted attention and reactions.
Post-retirement activities
Since leaving the city, Adams has been seen in places like Dubai and the Democratic Republic of Congo, but his activities remain unclear to the American public. In January, he introduced a cryptocurrency that he presented as a response to anti-Semitism and what he called “anti-Americanism.” The project quickly came under scrutiny after it quickly lost value, prompting criticism and doubts about its purpose.
What Adams intends to do with his Albanian citizenship remains unclear. There are no announced plans, no diplomatic role, or concrete agenda. However, this move fits with his post-office profile, which is more focused on international mobility and presence than on a specific destination.
Adams remains a figure on the move, building relationships and seeking a new role beyond local American politics. / Adapted from "Los Angeles Times"
Adamsit u duhet pasaporta shqiptare te fitoje para nga taksat dhe pasurite e shqiptareve qs do ti falsn nga Rama ne menyre dredharake. Ndersa Rames i duhet Adamsit te loboje per "madheshtine " e tij si kryeminister si dhe per te fshehur dhe lare parate e pafu d.