Italian media: Albanian government accused of using more than 4 million euros from emergency fund for Kanye West concert

The concert by American rapper Kanye West, scheduled to take place on Saturday in Tirana, has become the center of a heated debate in Albania, amid criticism over how it is being financed and because of the artist’s controversial profile.

Reports say the Albanian government has taken more than 4 million euros from the state reserve fund, which is usually used for emergencies and natural disasters, to cover the costs of organizing the concert after ticket revenue failed to reach the expected level.

This has fueled even more discontent at a time when citizens have been protesting for 40 days and are demanding the prime minister’s removal.

Prime Minister Edi Rama had presented the concert as an event that would attract thousands of foreign tourists to Albania, especially from Italy, following the cancellation of Kanye West’s show in Reggio Emilia, Italian media write.

According to him, the event will have a positive impact on the Albanian economy and will generate significant income for local businesses.

However, the decision has provoked harsh reactions from protesters, who accuse the government of spending public money on an entertainment event while the country faces social and economic difficulties.

The debate has also been intensified by Kanye West’s own profile. The American rapper has been at the center of international criticism for his antisemitic and pro-Nazi statements, while in recent years several European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Poland and Australia, have canceled his concerts or denied him entry.

In Albania, protests against the government have continued for weeks, initially sparked by the project for a luxury resort in the protected area of Sazan, linked to the company of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

For the protesters, financing the concert is another example of the use of public funds for initiatives that, according to them, do not bring improvements to citizens’ lives.

On the other hand, Edi Rama has defended the decision, saying the government’s intervention was necessary to prevent the concert from being canceled and to avoid damaging Albania’s image.

He has said that around 25 thousand foreign visitors are expected and that the event could bring significant economic benefits.

However, Albanian media report that the number of tickets sold has been lower than initially projected, while in recent days promotional offers and free tickets have been distributed to increase attendance at the concert.