A government official's typical reputation may be 'heartless', but Albania has decided to flip that notion by introducing an innovative measure: an AI minister named Diella. This bot isn't just another digital tool; it's designed to eradicate corruption and increase efficiency in public procurement processes.

Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed Diella into his cabinet, emphasizing the intent behind this symbolic appointment—Albania wants to ensure transparency and accountability in government actions. Though the country’s laws require ministers to be human citizens aged at least 18, the move marks a progressive step towards integrating AI into governmental operations.

Diella, whose name means 'sun' in Albanian, symbolizes a fresh approach to public service. Unlike human officials, she won’t leak sensitive government information or engage in scandals. Instead, her role focuses on making public tenders '100% free of corruption' and ensuring a fast, efficient process.

Before her official introduction, Diella had already assisted countless citizens as a virtual assistant within the Albania's e-services platform. However, the introduction of an AI minister still sparks varied reactions across political lines, with some viewing it as a publicity stunt.

Yet, experts recognize the potential of AI in mitigating corruption. If programmed correctly, Diella could streamline the procurement process by ensuring that all company bids are compliant with the established criteria, fostering trust in public dealings.

This introduction of Diella not only seeks to set a precedent for how AI can assist in governance but also aims to bring Albania closer to fulfilling EU accession requirements, which prioritize anti-corruption measures. As the world watches, Diella's journey could impact how governments globally rethink their approach to technology and transparency.