Rama defends Kanye West concert amid Albanian backlash

• Rama defends €4 million government spend on Kanye West concert
• Prime minister claims event will generate €100 million for the economy
• Nearly 25,000 fans from 80 countries bought tickets to attend

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended his government's backing of a controversial concert by rapper Kanye West in Tirana, despite mounting public anger over the decision.

West, known professionally as Ye, was due to perform in the Albanian capital on Saturday, having previously been barred from staging shows elsewhere in Europe. The announcement has triggered protests in the country, with critics questioning the government's involvement in the event. Footage circulating online showed Rama, who stands at six feet seven, meeting the Chicago-born rapper and giving him a tour of a museum. The pair appeared cordial despite the demonstrations taking place against both men.

Controversy intensified after Rama confirmed that the government had allocated €4 million to prepare the concert venue, a decision reportedly made at short notice. The prime minister said the spending was necessary to avoid embarrassing the country, noting that roughly 25,000 fans from 80 nations had already purchased tickets.

Writing on Facebook, Rama said the stadium had been built specifically for what he called the largest concert in Albania's history, adding that ticket sales had outstripped those for the Conference League final previously held in Tirana. He said the event would turn the capital into a global hub for musical spectacle over the weekend.

Defending the scale of public investment, Rama argued that the concert would deliver significant economic returns, claiming it could bring at least €100 million into Albania's economy. The government has not detailed how this figure was calculated, and the spending continues to draw criticism from opponents who argue the funds could be better directed elsewhere.