Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again defended the upcoming Kanye West concert in Tirana, scheduled for Saturday evening. In a post on social media, Rama shared footage of the completed concert venue, saying the stadium is ready and that the event will place Albania on the global map of music fans.
The prime minister also responded to criticism over the €4 million allocated for the event through a government normative act. Rama argued that the funding should not be viewed as a one-night expense, but as an investment that will generate returns through increased tourism, consumer spending and economic activity.
“Some continue to talk about a €4 million expense for one night, but only those who refuse to understand fail to see that these €4 million are an investment. They will be recovered through the thousands of visitors who, in the past 48 hours alone, have filled hotels, apartments, restaurants, bars, shops and taxis,” Rama wrote.
According to the prime minister, an event of this scale is not merely a music concert but also a form of international marketing for Albania. He said cultural and sporting events drive economic growth and help promote the country as a tourist destination.
“Albania does not benefit by hiding from the world. Albania benefits by bringing the world to its doorstep,” Rama concluded.
In his post, Rama also argued that similar investments are common practice across Europe and cited Istanbul, claiming that Kanye West’s concert there generated more than €100 million in added economic value. He added that cancelling the concert would have damaged Albania’s international image and undermined the country’s efforts to promote itself abroad.
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