Flash News

VIDEO-scandal in Saranda/ Director of AMP Vlora and officials sexually harass tourists

"The New York Times" about Ye's concert: How Rama justifies the $4.5 million in funding

The suspected perpetrator of the murder in Laç is identified, he shot the 40-year-old 7 times near the palace

7 bullets on the doorstep, who is the 40-year-old with 4 surnames who was killed in Laç

Morning Post/ In 2 lines: What mattered yesterday in Albania

KRYESORE

"The New York Times" about Ye's concert: How Rama justifies the $4.5 million in funding

Politiko 2026-07-10 10:13:52

"The New York Times" about Ye's concert: How Rama justifies the

Prime Minister Edi Rama is facing strong criticism for the government's decision to finance the concert of American rapper Ye or Kanye West, at a time when Rama has been facing a wave of protests for more than a month.

In an article published by "The New York Times" , it is noted that Rama has defended the spending of around $4.5 million on the concert, arguing it as an opportunity to promote Albania as a tourist destination.

However, the decision has caused reactions, as the artist Ye has previously been involved in international controversies for anti-Semitic statements and controversial positions. The concert, according to Rama, is expected to bring economic benefits and generate revenue for businesses and public institutions.

The Prime Minister stated that organizing the event was necessary to avoid damaging Albania's image in the face of thousands of visitors who had purchased tickets from dozens of countries around the world.

But the criticism of the Albanian government is not limited to the concert. The New York Times article places this debate in a broader climate of dissatisfaction with government-backed tourism development projects, including a luxury resort project on the Albanian coast with ties to the Trump family.

According to the American newspaper, the plan for the resort has sparked protests in Tirana, launched by protesters known as the "Flamingo Revolution", due to concerns that the developments could affect an environmentally sensitive area, habitat for flamingos and other bird species.

Rama has defended both projects by presenting them as part of a strategy for tourism development and economic growth, while his opponents accuse them of a lack of transparency and prioritizing large projects to the detriment of the public interest and the environment.

Latest news