Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama Defends $4 Million Funding for Kanye West Concert Amid Mass Protests

Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Tirana in a movement dubbed the “Flamingo Revolution,” protesting a luxury‑resort project linked to the Trump family that is slated for a protected coastal area. Demonstrators demand Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation, accusing his government of corruption and of selling public land.

At the same time, Rama’s administration allocated €4 million from the state‑emergency fund to subsidise a Kanye West concert in a temporary stadium at Kashar, arguing it would protect tourism revenues. Opposition figures such as Sali Berisha and Gazment Bardhi have called the payment unconstitutional and filed criminal complaints. Critics say the money could have been spent on hospitals, schools or earthquake victims, while the concert attracted far fewer tickets than expected. The government maintains the event is an investment to boost Albania’s international image and earnings.