World’s first AI minister will eliminate corruption, says Albania’s PM

September 13, 2025 – Tirana, Albania

In a bold move blending technology and politics, Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama has appointed the world’s first artificial intelligence “minister” to his cabinet, aiming to purge corruption from public procurement processes. Named Diella – meaning “sun” in Albanian – this virtual official is not a human policymaker but an AI bot designed to ensure transparency and efficiency in government tenders.

Albania’s prime minister, Edi Rama, won a fourth term in office in May and introduced his cabinet on Thursday

Rama unveiled Diella during the introduction of his new cabinet on Thursday, just months after securing his fourth term in May’s elections. While the appointment is symbolic – Albania’s constitution requires ministers to be human citizens over 18 with mental competency – its implications are far-reaching. Diella’s primary role: transforming public procurement into a “100% corruption-free” system.

“We’re collaborating with a top-tier Albanian and international team to develop the first comprehensive AI model for public procurement,” Rama told reporters. “This will eliminate any undue influence on bids, accelerate processes, boost efficiency, and ensure total accountability.”

The AI’s debut isn’t entirely new. Diella has already been operational as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform, assisting over a million users in navigating official document applications. Rama envisions her expanding far beyond chat support, positioning Albania to “leapfrog” larger nations stuck in outdated bureaucratic methods.

Corruption has long plagued Albania, a key hurdle in its EU accession talks. Brussels has urged Tirana to meet anti-graft benchmarks by 2027 to finalize membership. Experts see Diella as a potential game-changer. Dr. Andi Hoxhaj, a Western Balkans specialist at King’s College London, noted that AI could revolutionize bidding by instantly verifying company compliance online. “If programmed right, it minimizes human interference where graft thrives,” Hoxhaj said. “With EU stakes so high, this is worth pursuing.”

Not everyone is convinced. The opposition Democratic Party slammed the initiative as “ridiculous” and unconstitutional, arguing it distracts from real reforms. Business leader Aneida Bajraktari Bicja of Balkans Capital echoed skepticism, calling Rama’s style a mix of “reform and theatrics.” Yet, she added optimism: “If it evolves into robust systems enhancing transparency, it could rebuild public trust.”

Rama admits the flair is intentional – a publicity stunt to jolt traditional officials into innovation. “It pressures the cabinet and agencies to adapt or get left behind,” he quipped. Diella’s perks are clear: no leaks, no scandals, just algorithmic impartiality, powered solely by electricity.

This experiment arrives amid global AI fervor. From U.S. firms like OpenAI facing scrutiny over child safety chatbots to China’s DeepSeek app buzzing worldwide, AI’s societal role is exploding. In Albania, it’s now governmental. As Hoxhaj put it, “The EU’s anti-corruption push gives Albania incentive; Diella could be the mechanism.”

For Americans watching afar, Albania’s gamble highlights AI’s dual edge: a tool for good governance or mere hype? With U.S. tech giants leading AI development, could similar bots streamline federal procurement? Rama’s vision suggests yes – if humans step aside.

As Diella “serves,” eyes turn to results. Will she illuminate Albania’s path to cleaner politics, or fade like a glitchy sunrise

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