Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended a decision to spend €4 million ($4.56 million) on a concert by US rapper Kanye West, seeking to defuse anger over an event that has added heat to public protests and demands for his resignation.
A performer banned across Europe
West, also known as Ye, has been banned from performing in several European countries this summer following remarks that included praise of Adolf Hitler and content featuring Nazi imagery. The concert, scheduled for Saturday 11 July just outside Tirana, is taking place in a makeshift stadium constructed specifically for the event.
Rama's defence
The Prime Minister said the funds were allocated at the last minute to avoid embarrassing Albania in front of nearly 25,000 foreign visitors from 80 countries who had already purchased tickets, at a time when many feared the concert might be cancelled.
Writing on Facebook, Mr Rama said the event was expected to generate at least €100 million in revenue for the country, following a surge in accommodation bookings around the time of the concert.
Public backlash
His announcement attracted a flow of negative comments on his Facebook page, with one commenter writing: "Shame, not with my money!" Others accused the government of disgracing Albania by welcoming a performer who admires Hitler.
A month of protests
Daily protests have taken place in Tirana for more than a month. They were sparked by plans for a luxury resort by US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Protesters later denounced other coastal development projects near protected areas and have demanded Mr Rama's resignation, accusing his government of corruption, a claim he denies.
Source: Reuters
