• Source:JND
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In a significant move, Albania has become the first country in the world to officially appoint an artificial intelligence-powered minister. Prime Minister Edi Rama on Thursday announced the induction of “Diella,” a digital figure created through AI, into his new cabinet during the Socialist Party assembly in Tirana, as reported by Reuters.

The announcement, which surprised many in the political and technology spheres, places Albania at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into governance. Rama described Diella as “the first cabinet member who does not physically exist but is created virtually by AI.”

Who Is Diella?

The name Diella means “sun” in Albanian. She is designed as a virtual woman dressed in traditional Albanian clothing, symbolising a fusion of cultural heritage with modern technology. Albanians are already familiar with her presence through the e-Albania platform, which provides citizens with online access to government services.

Public procurement has long been viewed as one of Albania’s most corruption-prone areas. The European Union, which Albania seeks to join by 2030, has repeatedly flagged procurement scandals in its annual rule of law reports. By introducing Diella, Rama said his government is taking “a step-by-step” approach to modernise administration and build trust in state institutions. He argued that with an incorruptible AI system in place, Albania could set an example for other countries battling graft.

Role Of AI Minister 'Diella'

Prime Minister Rama mentioned Diella will have a central role in transforming the way public procurement is handled in Albania. According to Politico, her key responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing all public tenders to ensure procedures are transparent and incorruptible.
• Removing decision-making powers from ministries in procurement processes and shifting them to AI oversight.
• Hiring international talents to assist in specialised areas, breaking down administrative rigidity.
• Providing impartial evaluation of bids without bias, prejudice, or influence from vested interests.
• Enhancing transparency by making every public fund allocation fully traceable and legible.

“This is not science fiction, but the duty of Diella,” Rama said, stressing that the goal is to make tendering “100 percent incorruptible.”

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Public Reaction And Concerns

While the move has been welcomed by some as bold and visionary, others remain sceptical. Critics on social media suggested that even AI could be manipulated in Albania’s political climate. One user wrote, “Even Diella will be corrupted in Albania.” The government has yet to explain how human oversight and accountability mechanisms will work in practice, or whether AI-driven decisions can be challenged in court.

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The launch of Diella comes as Albania expands its digital governance model. The government has announced plans to introduce AI auditing systems and create accountability frameworks to ensure that decisions taken by Diella are transparent and reliable. Rama, who recently secured a historic fourth mandate, said the long-term vision is to prepare Albania for a future where AI could play an even greater role in government decision-making. “With Diella, Albania has opened a new chapter,” Rama said. “This is only the beginning.”