Albania Appoints World's First AI Minister to Combat Corruption

Tue Oct 21 2025 08:58:46 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Albania introduces Diella, an AI minister aimed at eliminating corruption in public procurement, as part of Prime Minister Edi Rama's new cabinet.

In a groundbreaking move, Albania has appointed what is believed to be the world's first AI minister, named Diella, as part of a strategy to combat corruption. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the role, which, while not officially recognized due to constitutional limitations, promotes the idea of AI in governance. Diella aims to revolutionize public procurement processes, ensuring they are free from corruption. While reactions to this initiative are mixed, with some labeling it a publicity stunt, others recognize its potential for improving public trust and transparency. As Albania progresses in its EU accession talks, the push towards reducing corruption is deemed critical.

For government officials, being called heartless is an occupational hazard. But Albania has chosen to turn that insult into a positive quality by appointing an AI minister.

Not a minister for artificial intelligence, rather, a cabinet member who is, literally, the work of AI. The new addition is, like a pop star, known simply by the single name: Diella.

Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced her as a member of his new cabinet on Thursday, four months after securing his fourth term in office in May elections. However, the move was symbolic rather than official, as Albania's constitution insists that government ministers must be mentally competent citizens aged at least 18.

Still, the advantages of appointing a bot over a human are obvious. Diella, whose name means sun in Albanian, is unlikely to be the source of any unflattering leaks about the government. She will only be power-hungry in the sense of the electricity she consumes. And a damaging expenses scandal would appear to be out of the question.

In fact, corruption was uppermost in Rama's mind when he made Diella part of his team as minister for public procurement. Her role will be to ensure that Albania will become a country where public tenders are 100% free of corruption.

Rama boasts that Diella has helped more than a million applications on the e-Albania platform. But his vision for AI's government role is a lot grander than a mere chatbot.

Reactions to Diella's new role are mixed. The opposition Democratic Party has labelled the initiative ridiculous and unconstitutional, while others express cautious optimism. The founder of financial services company Balkans Capital notes that if the 'AI minister' develops into real systems that improve transparency, it could be constructive.

Anti-corruption experts emphasize the potential for AI to minimize graft, suggesting that if programmed correctly, it could enforce stricter compliance with bidding criteria. Edi Rama acknowledges the publicity stunt aspect of the initiative but insists on its serious intent, aiming to pressure other ministries into innovative thinking.

In other words, ministers beware: AI could be coming for their jobs as well.