The Albanian government’s decision to cover the $4.56 million cost of American rapper Kanye West’s concert has sparked major interest in the international media.
After Reuters, NBC News has also focused on the issue, reflecting the debate created by the use of public funds to organize the event.
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In its report, NBC News says Prime Minister Edi Rama defended the allocation of 4 million euros, explaining that it was intended to prevent the concert from being canceled and to avoid damaging Albania’s image.
“We allocated 4 million euros at the last minute to avoid the humiliation of Albania in the eyes of nearly 25,000 foreign visitors from 80 countries, who had already bought tickets,” NBC News quotes Rama as saying.
According to the prime minister, the event scheduled for July 11 near Tirana could bring at least 100 million euros in revenue to the Albanian economy, thanks to increased bookings in the tourism sector.
NBC News also recalls that Kanye West, also known as Ye, has previously been at the center of international controversy over statements interpreted as praise for Adolf Hitler and for the use of Nazi symbols. According to the American outlet, the artist later apologized for some of those positions.
The article notes that the Albanian government’s decision has also triggered numerous reactions on social media, where some users have opposed the use of public money for the concert.
NBC News also reports that for more than a month, Albania has been facing daily protests in Tirana. According to the American outlet, the demonstrations began after opposition to the luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner and later expanded with accusations of corruption against the government and demands for Prime Minister Rama’s resignation, allegations he has denied.
