Tirana, Albania – In a groundbreaking move, Albania has introduced the world’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) government minister, signaling a bold attempt to eliminate corruption from public procurement.
The AI-powered minister, known simply as Diella (meaning sun in Albanian), was unveiled by Prime Minister Edi Rama as part of his new cabinet. Unlike a minister for artificial intelligence, Diella herself is an AI system—tasked with transforming how government contracts and tenders are handled.
AI Takes on Public Procurement
Though Diella’s appointment is largely symbolic—Albania’s constitution requires ministers to be human citizens—her role is designed to fight one of the nation’s most pressing issues: corruption in government contracts.
“Public tenders in Albania will be 100% free of corruption,” said Rama.
He explained that the AI-powered system will ensure bidding processes are faster, more efficient, and completely transparent.
From Chatbot to Cabinet
Before her cabinet debut, Diella was already active as an AI-powered assistant on the e-Albania platform, where she helped process over one million applications for government services. Now, her responsibilities extend to overseeing procurement processes, reducing human interference, and increasing accountability.
Reactions: Reform or Publicity Stunt?
The initiative has sparked mixed reactions:
-
The opposition Democratic Party dismissed it as “ridiculous” and “unconstitutional.”
-
Supporters, including business leaders and anti-corruption experts, see potential if the AI minister evolves into a real system to boost transparency and trust.
-
Dr. Andi Hoxhaj of King’s College London noted that with Albania’s EU accession talks underway, the pressure to tackle graft is high, making AI a useful tool if implemented effectively.
The Bigger Picture: AI in Governance
Prime Minister Rama admitted there is an element of theatrics in appointing an AI “minister,” but insists it has a serious purpose: to push human ministers and agencies to “think differently and act faster.”
Analysts say the move positions Albania as a pioneer, leapfrogging larger nations still tied to traditional governance models.
As Rama hinted, Diella may not just be symbolic—AI could very well be coming for more ministerial jobs in the future.
Leave a Reply