Albania has taken a historic step by appointing an artificial intelligence (AI) bot named Diella to its government as a virtual minister. Prime Minister Edi Rama made this announcement, emphasizing Diella’s capabilities to enhance transparency and fight corruption. “Diella is the first member not physically present, but virtually created by artificial intelligence,” he stated, revealing a move geared towards modernizing governance.
Diella, designed to assist with public procurement, aims to streamline state services and ensure that public funds are traceable and accountable. Rama noted that Diella operates under a framework that is “100 percent incorruptible and where every public fund that goes through the tender procedure is 100 percent legible.” Through collaboration with Microsoft, the AI was introduced earlier this year on the e-Albania online platform and has since addressed nearly one million user requests for digital services.
This significant development positions Albania as the first nation globally to welcome a non-physical minister into its cabinet. While the government champions Diella’s potential impact on governance, the move has not gone without criticism. The opposition Democratic Party has denounced the decision as bizarre and ineffective. Parliamentary leader Gazmend Bardhi labeled it as “buffoonery,” raising doubts about its legitimacy as a form of state policy.
Amidst these contrasting views, the backdrop of Albania’s aspirations for European Union (EU) integration remains crucial. The Socialist Party, now beginning its fourth term with a solid majority in parliament, has pledged to tackle longstanding issues of corruption and organized crime—challenges that have persisted since the end of communism. In this context, Diella’s role is framed as a vital step toward adopting European standards and improving government accountability.
While Prime Minister Rama assures that Diella will aid in the pursuit of EU accession by 2027, the extent of her authority in the cabinet remains unclear. Lawmakers are set to vote on the new cabinet lineup, but it is uncertain whether Diella will receive formal recognition during this process. As Albania embarks on this innovative trajectory, the implications of introducing AI into governance will unfold, potentially reshaping how public administration operates in the region.
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