Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Sunday defended the government’s decision to support Kanye West’s concert in Tirana, saying the event should be viewed as an investment rather than a public expense because of its economic and promotional benefits.
In a video message posted on social media, Rama said Albania had hosted more than “just a concert,” arguing that the global profile of the American artist turned the event into worldwide publicity for the country.
“This was not simply a concert. It was an investment that put Albania in front of millions of eyes around the world,” Rama said.
Responding to criticism over the use of public funds, Rama argued that development depends on creating new economic value rather than treating every public expenditure as a loss.
“The most important question is not only how much something costs, but also how much value it creates. An expense ends the moment it is made, while an investment continues to generate value long afterward,” he said.
Rama said the event benefited hotels, restaurants, transport operators, logistics companies and other businesses, while also generating additional tax revenues and promoting Albania as a destination for tourism and international events.
He added that hosting an event of such scale demonstrates that Albania is capable of organizing major international gatherings in a safe and professional environment, despite the country’s ongoing political tensions.
The prime minister’s comments came after opposition parties and anti-government protesters criticized the state support for the concert and questioned its economic benefits.
Kanye West performed in Tirana on Saturday before tens of thousands of spectators, with the concert sparking both international attention and domestic political debate.