Albania has appointed an artificial intelligence bot as its new minister for public procurement, with the aim of tackling corruption in government contracts. The AI bot, named Diella, which means “sun” in Albanian, will be responsible for managing and awarding public tenders that involve private companies.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, now preparing for his fourth term, unveiled Diella on Thursday, describing her as the first cabinet member created by AI. “Diella is the first cabinet member who isn’t physically present, but is virtually created by AI,” Rama said, adding that she will help make Albania “a country where public tenders are 100% free of corruption.”
Corruption in public procurement has long been an issue in Albania, a Balkan nation often linked to organised crime and international trafficking networks. Such scandals have slowed its ambitions to join the European Union, a goal Rama hopes to achieve by 2030, though analysts believe the timeline is highly challenging.
The government has not yet explained what human oversight will exist for Diella or how it will prevent risks of manipulation.
Diella was first launched earlier this year as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform, helping citizens and businesses access official documents. She appears in traditional Albanian dress, responds to voice commands and issues electronically stamped documents, aiming to reduce delays in public services.
Public opinion, however, is divided. On social media, one user wrote: “Even Diella will be corrupted in Albania.” Another added: “Stealing will continue and Diella will be blamed.”
The newly elected parliament will convene on Friday, though it is unclear whether the government will face a vote on the same day.
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