TIRANA, Albania — Albania has become the first country in the world to appoint an artificial intelligence system to a cabinet position, a move officials say is aimed at curbing corruption and increasing transparency.
The AI system, known as Diella, meaning “sun” in Albanian, was developed by the National Agency for Information Society. Initially launched in January 2025 as a virtual assistant on the government’s e-Albania platform, Diella handled online paperwork and helped citizens access public services.
On September 12, 2025, Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government announced that Diella had been formally elevated to the role of Minister for Public Procurement, giving her direct oversight of how state contracts are awarded.
Officials argue that the appointment is a step toward ending favoritism and human interference in public tenders. The government claims Diella’s management will ensure procurement processes are fully transparent, helping to restore public trust and meet European Union standards on governance.
Diella is represented by a digital avatar in traditional Albanian dress, but her work is fully virtual. According to officials, she has already processed thousands of documents and nearly a thousand services through the e-Albania system.
Critics, however, question the legality and oversight of allowing a non-human system to hold ministerial power. Opposition politicians warn the move could raise constitutional issues, while analysts point to concerns over algorithmic bias, data security, and accountability if mistakes occur.
Despite the doubts, Albania’s government insists the experiment marks a turning point. Supporters believe Diella could become a model for other nations seeking to combine governance with technology in the fight against corruption.
