Albania is making history: its government is the first in the world to appoint an artificial intelligence (AI) as a minister. Diella, a chatbot, will oversee public procurement and combat corruption.
A World Premiere in the Balkans
Albania hopes to become the first country in the world to introduce AI into its government. This virtual minister, named Diella (which means "sun" in English), will oversee procurement. Prime Minister Edi Rama explained that Diella is a cabinet member created by AI, albeit one who is not physically present. As a result, government contract decisions will no longer be left to individual ministries, but will be fully transparent.
According to Politico, Rama announced the appointment at a Socialist Party conference in Tirana. He emphasized, "This is not science fiction; it's Diella's job."
The Albanian Constitution stipulates that ministerial positions must be held by citizens of "adult and sound mind." Therefore, Gazment Bardhi, leader of the opposition Democratic Party parliamentary group, considers the appointment unconstitutional.
Rama's Socialist Party regained an absolute majority in parliament in May. However, constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority. Whether Rama will seek such accommodations for Diella remains to be seen. Diella began working as a virtual assistant on the "e-Albania" platform earlier this year. Dressed in traditional clothing, she helps citizens navigate websites and access government services.
Fighting corruption is an EU goal. Albania has long been mired in corruption, ranking 80th out of 180 countries in Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index. Rama's goal is to bring Albania into the EU by 2030, and combating corruption is a key condition.
It is unclear how Diella's technology will operate, what controls are planned, and whether there will be human oversight. Critics warn that otherwise, AI could easily become a "digital cover for old grievances."
What do you think of this revolution in governance technology? Do you see it as an opportunity or a threat to democracy?
