7 minutes agoReuters: Anger in Albania, Edi Rama defends Kanye West's 4m-euro concert
Periskopi(39 minutes ago)
(39 minutes ago)Albania's prime minister defended the decision Wednesday to spend 4m euros for a concert by American rapper Canye West, while trying to ease anger over the event, which has intensified tensions in public protests and demands for his resignation, Reuters writes, broadcast Periscopi.
Canye West, also known as the YE, has been banned from performing in several European countries this summer following statements that have included praise for Adolf Hitler and content with Nazi images.
The concert, scheduled for 11 July shortly outside Tirana, will be held at a specially built temporary stadium for the event.
“We shared 4m euros at the last moment to avoid Albania's humiliation in the eyes of nearly 25 thousand foreign visitors from 80 countries, who had already bought tickets to see Canye West, while many were afraid the concert could be cancelled”, Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Facebook.
Rama said this event is expected to bring the country at least 100m euros in revenue, following increased reservations about the timing of the concert.
Rama's announcement drew a wave of negative comments to his Facebook page.
“Albania is ashamed to welcome a singer who admires Hitler”, a commentator said. “Turp, not with my money!”, said another.
Daily protests have been held in Tirana for more than a month. They were prompted by plans for a luxury resort of American President Donald Trump's groom, Jared Kouchner.
Later, protesters denounced other coastal development projects near protected areas and also demanded Rama's resignation, accusing his government of corruption, a claim Rama denies. Periscope.
