World’s First AI Minister ‘Diella’ Appointed in Albania to Fight Corruption
Artificial intelligence has stepped into politics, as Albania becomes the first country in the world to appoint an AI-generated government minister. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the new “member” of his cabinet is Diella, a virtual figure designed to ensure transparency in public tenders and eliminate corruption.
Rama, who secured a fourth consecutive term in May’s elections, revealed Diella during a Socialist Party meeting, describing her as the first government member created by artificial intelligence. “Diella will make all decisions regarding public tenders 100 percent corruption-free, ensuring every public fund is perfectly transparent,” he said. The new cabinet is expected to be presented to parliament soon.
From Digital Assistant to Minister
Diella, which means “sun” in Albanian, was first introduced in January 2025 as an AI-powered virtual assistant. Designed to resemble a woman in traditional Albanian attire, she initially helped citizens navigate the government’s e-Albania platform. This digital service hub provides access to official documents and online public services.
Since her launch, Diella has assisted in issuing 36,600 digital documents and delivered nearly 1,000 services, according to government figures. Her role has now expanded dramatically to one of the most sensitive areas of governance: public tender management.
Tackling Corruption in Albania
Public tenders have long been at the center of corruption scandals in Albania. International reports highlight that the country has been a hotspot for money laundering tied to drug and arms trafficking. Corruption has reportedly reached senior government levels, undermining public trust.
By assigning this responsibility to an incorruptible AI, Rama hopes to introduce a new model of governance. Local media praised the move as “a major transformation in the way the Albanian government conceives and exercises administrative power, introducing technology not only as a tool, but also as an active participant in governance.”
Link to EU Accession
The appointment also aligns with Albania’s European Union accession bid, where fighting corruption remains a key benchmark. By showcasing technological innovation in transparency, Albania hopes to strengthen its credibility with EU institutions.
While questions remain about the limits of AI in governance, Diella’s appointment marks a groundbreaking moment in global politics. If successful, it could inspire other nations to explore the role of artificial intelligence in public administration.
