Albania Appoints World’s First AI “Minister” to Fight Corruption

Albania has made headlines by introducing the world’s first AI-powered government “minister,” a move aimed at tackling corruption in public procurement. Prime Minister Edi Rama unveiled the cabinet addition, known simply as Diella, four months after securing his fourth term in office.

Unlike traditional ministers, Diella is entirely artificial. While symbolic, Albania’s constitution requires ministers to be mentally competent citizens aged 18 or older, her role is intended to enhance transparency and efficiency in government.

“Diella will help make public tenders 100% free of corruption,” Rama told the BBC. “Not only will we remove undue influence, but the process will also be faster, more efficient, and fully accountable.”

Diella, whose name means “sun” in Albanian, has already been active as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform, helping over a million citizens navigate official documents. Rama envisions her as part of a broader AI model designed to modernise public procurement and “leapfrog” traditional bureaucratic systems.

Reactions to the initiative are mixed. The opposition Democratic Party called it “ridiculous” and “unconstitutional,” while some experts and business leaders see potential. Dr. Andi Hoxhaj, a corruption specialist at King’s College London, notes that properly programmed AI could allow bids to be evaluated more transparently, supporting Albania’s ongoing EU accession efforts.