In the wake of an outcry by Albanians, Prime Minister Edi Rama doubled down on his backing for controversial rapper Kanye West’s concert in the capital, Tirana, which he defended as bringing a bonanza to the Balkan country.
In the latest clip making rounds on the internet, the 6-foot-7-inch strong-built official was seen meeting the rap star from Chicago.
Both figures – against whom protests are taking place – warmly met each other as Albania’s prime minister gave the rapper a tour of a museum.
As Ye is set to take the stage on July 11 in the Euro country – after being banned by other European countries – it has sparked sharp reactions from some quarters.
However, what ignited a firestorm was Rama’s announcement that the government would spend €4 million to prepare for West’s mega show.
The prime minister defended the massive funding reportedly at the eleventh hour to ready the venue and save Albania from humiliation, as almost 25,000 fans from 80 countries had bought tickets.
Taking to Facebook, he wrote, “With the stadium built specifically for the biggest concert this country has ever seen, an event for which people from 80 countries have purchased more tickets than for the Conference League final in Tirana, which will transform Tirana into the global capital of musical spectacle this Saturday, July 11, I wish you a wonderful day.”
Regarding the huge investment, Rama claimed that West’s concert will bring at least €100 million into the country’s fragile economy.