American rapper Kanye West's concert, scheduled to be held on Saturday in Tirana, has become one of the most controversial topics in Albania, amid controversies over its financing and the artist's controversial figure.

According to reports, the Albanian government has used over 4 million euros from the state reserve fund, usually earmarked for emergencies and natural disasters, to cover the costs of organizing the concert, after ticket sales failed to meet expectations.

This has brought even more revolt, as citizens have been protesting for 40 days and demanding the prime minister's removal.

Prime Minister Edi Rama had presented the concert as an event that would bring thousands of foreign tourists to Albania, especially from Italy, following the cancellation of Kanye West's performance in Reggio Emilia, Italian media writes.

According to him, the event is expected to have a positive impact on the Albanian economy and generate significant revenue for local businesses.

 

In Albania, there is great agitation around a Kanye West concert scheduled for Saturday 11 July in Tirana, the capital. The idea of ​​attracting foreign tourists has turned into a mezzo disaster, in a complicated moment for Prime Minister Edi Ramahttps://t.co/AGKXnOlHlA

— Il Post (@ilpost) July 10, 2026

However, the decision has prompted strong reactions from protesters, who accuse the government of using public funds for an entertainment activity while the country faces social and economic problems.

The debate has also deepened due to the figure of Kanye West. The American rapper has been at the center of international criticism for his anti-Semitic and pro-Nazi statements, while in recent years several European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Poland and Australia, have canceled his concerts or refused him entry.

Meanwhile, in Albania, protests against the government have continued for weeks, initially due to the project of a luxury resort in the protected area of ​​Sazani, linked to the company of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

For protesters, the financing of the concert is another example of the use of public money for projects that, according to them, do not improve the lives of citizens.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Rama has defended the decision, stating that the government's intervention was necessary to avoid the cancellation of the concert and not to damage Albania's image.

He emphasized that around 25 foreign visitors are expected and that the event could bring significant economic benefits.

However, Albanian media reports that the number of tickets sold has been lower than initial predictions, while in recent days promotional offers and free tickets have been distributed to increase concert attendance.