TIRANA, July 8 (BV) – A Kanye West concert scheduled for July 11 in Tirana has sparked a political dispute in Albania after Prime Minister Edi Rama defended the government’s decision to provide 4 million euros for the event.
Rama said the funding was approved “at the last minute” to avoid damaging Albania’s image in front of thousands of foreign visitors who had already bought tickets. He said the concert would promote Albania internationally and could generate at least 100 million euros in economic activity through tourism, accommodation, transport and local spending.
The concert is expected to be held at Eagle Stadium near the Tirana-Durrës highway, with organisers saying the venue can host around 60,000 spectators. Ticket prices reportedly start at 120 euros, with VIP packages reaching 339 euros.
Rama said more foreign visitors had bought tickets for the concert than for the UEFA Conference League final previously held in Tirana.
But opposition politicians and protesters have accused the government of misusing public funds for what they describe as a private commercial event. Democratic Party MP Belind Këlliçi said Albania is not embarrassed by cancelled concerts, but by corruption scandals and misuse of taxpayers’ money.
The controversy comes as anti-government protests continue in Tirana, with critics linking the concert funding to broader accusations over public spending, transparency and government priorities.
The event is organised by Berlin-based company Streetlife, which has previously worked with international artists including 50 Cent, Drake, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Nicki Minaj. In Albania, the concert is supported by Redcloud and Live Label.