The prestigious American newspaper The New York Times has dedicated an article to the debate that has erupted in Albania over the public financing of the concert of American rapper Kanye West, known as "Ye", as well as the controversies that accompany tourist projects on the Albanian coast.

According to the article, Prime Minister Edi Rama defended the government's decision to fund the concert with around $4.5 million, calling it an investment in promoting Albania as a tourist destination. In a reaction on social media, Rama described the event as an important opportunity to attract visitors and boost the country's image.

However, the New York Times points out that the prime minister has not provided concrete details on how public funds will be used. The newspaper also recalls the statement of the Minister of Tourism, Blendi Gonxhja, according to which a temporary stadium with a capacity of about 60 thousand spectators is being built for the concert.

According to the article, Rama expects the event to bring at least $114 million to the Albanian economy. He argues that public funding is necessary to guarantee the development of the concert and to avoid, according to him, damaging Albania's image in front of the thousands of visitors who have already bought tickets. The Prime Minister estimates that the activity will positively affect consumption, business and state revenues.

The New York Times places the debate about the concert in the context of the ongoing protests against the tourist resort project on the Adriatic coast, which involves Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

According to the newspaper, Rama has described the criticism of the concert and the tourist project as part of a disinformation campaign, stating that the civic protest has been used for political purposes. He stated that Albania will continue with its projects and that "there is no chance of turning back."

The article also focuses on the figure of Kanye West, recalling the controversy that the artist has caused internationally after anti-Semitic statements and comments in support of Adolf Hitler and Nazism, for which he later apologized.

In conclusion, the New York Times notes that Kanye West's tour has been accompanied by opposition and cancellations in several European countries, while in other countries the concerts have been held with high attendance.