Protester in front of the Prime Minister’s Office: 4.2 million euros for Kanye West concert, but Albania lacks firefighting planes

During the 44th protest held in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, a new participant raised strong concerns about state spending priorities. He pointed out the contrast between the 4.2 million euros allocated for Kanye West’s performance and the lack of basic means to respond to natural disasters.

The young man stressed that while the summer season regularly brings fire outbreaks, the country lacks essential investments in specialized planes to extinguish them. His criticism centered on what he described as a misuse of taxpayer money, accusing the government of diverting funds to cover tickets for political supporters at the concert instead of emergency equipment.

He concluded his intervention by mocking the prime minister’s economic forecasts. “Edi Rama and his confidants claimed that these 30,000 visitors would generate millions of euros for the economy,” the protester recalled, adding that the promises of financial benefits remained unrealized.

He further deepened the accusation by mentioning deficiencies in search and rescue capabilities. “We achieved the goal, the concert took place and the 4.2 million euros of Albanians went to tickets for party loyalists. Now, in the middle of fire season, we do not have a single plane to put them out. Will Mr. Rama not be ashamed that this money was not used for the citizens? We also lack search dogs for earthquakes,” he declared.

The protester also added that the authorities’ first reaction to critical voices is not to solve problems, but to disparage those who protest, labeling them as troublemakers who hinder theft.