Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has reportedly received Albanian citizenship, according to multiple outlets on Friday.
The decree granting citizenship was first reported by Albanian outlets and later by the New York Post and New York Magazine. The document was published by the nation’s Center for Official Publications.
When translated, the document appears to state that “Eric L. Leroy Adams” has been granted citizenship at his request. The decree appears to have been approved by Albanian President Bajram Begaj.
Adams has not publicly confirmed whether he has been granted Albanian citizenship.
Newsweek reached out to Begaj’s office and the U.S. State Department for comment.
Adams took a four-day trip to Albania last year when he was still mayor. During the trip, which happened shortly after Adams suspended his reelection campaign, he met with Prime Minister Edi Rama and other Cabinet officials. The purpose of the trip was to discuss business and tourism, the New York Times reported at the time, citing an aide.
He also once referred to New York City as “the Albania of America” in an interview.
“We have one of the largest Albanian populations, and many times the Albanian New Yorkers have asked me to come and visit the country. So now this is an opportunity to do so,” he at the time.
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