Albania Inducts World’s First AI Minister
Albania became the first country to formally induct an artificial intelligence (AI) entity as a government minister. The AI minister, named Diella, is a virtual official created entirely from code and pixels. It was appointed to oversee public procurement and fight corruption in government spending. This pioneering move marks a new chapter in the use of AI within public administration.
Introduction of Diella, the AI Minister
On 11 September 2025, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama revealed Diella at the Socialist Party’s assembly in Tirana. Unlike a traditional minister, Diella is not a human but a digital avatar powered by AI technology. It is the only non-human member of the Albanian government. The AI minister handles procurement tasks, including evaluating and awarding public tenders where the government contracts private firms.
Role and Responsibilities
Diella’s main role is to manage public procurement efficiently and transparently. It processes bureaucratic requests through voice commands on the country’s digital services portal. The AI evaluates tenders, selects contractors, and even recruits talent globally. By automating these tasks, Diella aims to reduce human interference, bribery, and threats in government dealings.
Objectives and Benefits
Albania faces widespread corruption, especially in procurement. The AI minister is expected to curb this by applying impartial algorithms and reducing bias. The government hopes this will bring greater transparency and accountability. Diella’s use also addresses fears of administrative rigidity by enabling more flexible and data-driven decision-making.
Human Oversight and Security Concerns
Details about human supervision over Diella remain undisclosed. The government has not clarified how it will monitor the AI’s decisions or intervene if necessary. Experts warn that reliance on AI in sensitive areas like procurement could create security risks. A single flaw or manipulation in the system might lead to serious governance issues.
Global Significance
Albania’s experiment with Diella sets a precedent for AI integration in governance. It demonstrates how AI can be used beyond advisory roles to active decision-making in public functions. This development may inspire other nations to explore similar digital innovations to improve transparency and efficiency.
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