On September 11, 2025, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Diella, an AI assistant, would take on the unprecedented role of the world’s first artificial intelligence “minister.”First launched in January 2025 via the e-Albania platform, Diella began as a virtual public service assistant, helping citizens apply for digital documents. In less than a year, she has processed over 36,600 requests, offering fast and reliable service. To present her as approachable, the AI is visually depicted as a woman in traditional Albanian dress, combining modern technology with cultural identity.Her new mandate involves overseeing public procurement and tenders, a domain long marred by corruption in Albania. By automating contract management, the government aims to ensure greater transparency, fairness, and efficiency. Rama framed the appointment as a major step toward reducing human interference in billion-euro contracts, a move that could strengthen public trust in institutions.The transfer of responsibilities will take place gradually, shifting from human ministries to AI oversight in stages. However, Rama did not elaborate on the extent of human supervision, raising concerns about accountability, cybersecurity, and ethical risks.Experts argue that while AI can reduce favoritism, it also comes with dangers, including potential algorithmic bias and vulnerabilities to manipulation if safeguards are weak. Critics warn that relying too heavily on AI in governance could undermine democratic decision-making processes.Nevertheless, the move positions Albania as a global pioneer in digital governance. International observers are watching closely, as Diella could become either a blueprint for transparent AI-led governance or a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of outsourcing state power to machines.For now, Albania has placed itself at the center of a global experiment that could redefine the future of governance.
Albania Names AI Assistant Diella as World’s First Digital Minister
