Albania has become the first country to appoint an AI-powered government minister. Named Diella, this virtual minister is made of code and pixels and will manage public procurement. Unlike a minister for artificial intelligence, Diella is an actual AI avatar serving in the government. On September 11, Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced Diella at a Socialist Party assembly in Tirana. Rama said, “Diella is the first member not physically present but virtually created by artificial intelligence.” The AI will oversee procurement and help reduce corruption in government spending.
Roles and Functions of Diella
Diella is responsible for evaluating and awarding public tenders involving private firms. Additionally, the AI serves citizens through the country’s digital services portal, handling bureaucratic requests via voice commands. By automating these processes, the system aims to curb bribes and reduce administrative rigidity. The AI minister will also have authority to assess tenders and recruit talent globally, thereby supporting more transparent and efficient governance.
Implications and Challenges
Albania has long struggled with corruption in public administration, especially in procurement. Introducing Diella demonstrates how AI can enhance government operations. However, authorities have not shared details about human oversight, which raises security and ethical concerns. Despite apprehensions, this pioneering step highlights the potential of AI in public administration and sets a precedent for other countries exploring digital governance solutions.
