Albania Appoints AI Bot As Minister to Fight Corruption

The government of Albania made history by appointing Diella, an AI bot, as cabinet minister to oversee public tender and tackle corruption.

Albania has become the first country in the world to appoint an AI “minister” to fight corruption, stirring both praise and skepticism.

Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced the bot, named Diella as part of his new cabinet. “Diella is the first cabinet member who isn’t physically present, but is virtually created by AI,” Rama said, as reported by Reuters.

He promised that with her oversight, “public tenders will be 100 percent free of corruption,” reported Aljazeera.

Reuters notes that the European Union membership process for Albania faces challenges as the country has struggled to resolve its public tender corruption issues which have harmed its international reputation. The Socialist Party under Rama secured its fourth consecutive victory in May 2024, and established a goal to achieve EU membership by 2027.

AP News reports that Diella was created with the help of Microsoft and first launched earlier this year as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform. There, she has helped citizens access about one million documents and provided nearly 1,000 services. Depicted in traditional folk costume, Diella also issues official documents electronically, aiming to cut bureaucratic delays.

The implementation of Diella faces support from those who believe it will enhance government operations, yet faces opposition regarding its legal status. Lawmakers will soon vote on Rama’s cabinet, however it remains uncertain whether Diella will receive official recognition as a virtual member.

Gazmend Bardhi, leader of the opposition Democrats, said he considered the move unconstitutional. “Prime minister’s buffoonery cannot be turned into legal acts of the Albanian state,” Bardhi posted on Facebook, as noted by AP News.

Reuters reports that ordinary citizens have also expressed doubts. One Facebook user wrote: “Even Diella will be corrupted in Albania.” Another added: “Stealing will continue and Diella will be blamed.”

Rama has not clarified what human oversight will exist for the AI or how risks of manipulation will be managed.