Albanian opposition leader Agron Shehaj has issued a direct public appeal to American rap billionaire Ye (Kanye West), urging him to reject an alleged €4 million payment from Prime Minister Edi Rama and cancel his planned concert in Albania.
In a video message posted on social media, Shehaj argued that the money allegedly allocated for the performance belongs to Albanian taxpayers, describing them as citizens of one of Europe's poorest countries. He urged the artist not to associate himself with what he called an authoritarian government.
"Kanye West, I have a request for you. I am the leader of an opposition party in Albania. Reject the money Prime Minister Edi Rama is offering you. Cancel your concert in Albania. Edi Rama has given you €4 million. That money belongs to the poorest people in Europe. You don't need it. You are a billionaire. You built your success through your own work. Don't become an ally of Edi Rama. Reject the money of this autocrat. You will be remembered. You will make history," Shehaj said.
Growing controversy over the alleged €4 million payment
The alleged €4 million payment for Kanye West's appearance has become one of the most controversial political issues in Albania. Opposition politicians, journalists, and critics have questioned whether public funds are being used to finance the event while many Albanians continue to struggle with low wages, rising living costs, and emigration.
The Albanian government has denied that the concert is being directly financed through the state budget. However, opposition figures continue to demand full transparency regarding the source of the funding and any agreements related to the event.
Shehaj's message marks one of the first direct appeals from an Albanian political leader to Kanye West himself, asking the artist to reject the money on ethical grounds.
If the allegations surrounding the financing are confirmed, the controversy could become one of the most significant political scandals in Albania this year, raising broader questions about government spending priorities in a country that remains among the poorest in Europe.
Editor's Note: The Albanian government disputes claims that state budget funds are being used to pay Kanye West. The alleged €4 million payment has become the subject of ongoing political controversy, with opposition figures calling for greater transparency.