TIRANA, July 8 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said a government decision to provide 4 million euros in funding to support the upcoming concert by Kanye West was aimed at safeguarding Albania’s international image and maximizing the event’s economic impact.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Rama said the government stepped in to ensure the concert goes ahead as planned and to avoid disappointing thousands of foreign visitors who had already purchased tickets.
According to the government head, nearly 25,000 attendees from around 80 countries have bought tickets for the event, which he described as a major opportunity to promote Albania as a tourism destination and attract international visitors.
Rama said the government estimates the concert could generate at least 100 million euros in economic activity, citing increased accommodation bookings and higher spending by visitors. He compared the expected impact to major international events, noting that the UEFA Europa Conference League final generated significant revenues for the local economy.
The Premier said a surge in reservations on accommodation platforms for the concert weekend reflects the event’s potential benefits for households, businesses and public revenues through increased consumption and tourism-related spending.
Rama also rejected criticism that public funds allocated to the concert had come at the expense of healthcare or social programmes. He noted that the government recently approved additional funding for oncology medicines, medical equipment, support for people with disabilities, startup programmes, business guarantees and urban and rural development projects.
The concert has sparked public debate in Albania over the use of state funds to support a privately organised event, with critics questioning the economic rationale behind the government’s contribution. Rama argued that the investment would deliver substantial long-term benefits through tourism promotion and economic activity.
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