Albania has appointed Diella, a virtual AI minister, to oversee all public procurement in a radical effort to eliminate corruption, making it the first country in the world to use artificial intelligence at a ministerial level. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the move stating that the AI minister would ensure every single public tender is 100% corruption-free, replacing human decision-making with algorithms designed to eliminate bias bribes and political influence.
This move is significant because it represents a new approach to governance and anti-corruption efforts, using technology to bring unprecedented transparency to how taxpayer money is spent. Diella, a woman dressed in traditional Albanian clothing, was first created in January 2025 to assist citizens with government services through the e-Albania platform. She has already processed 36,600 digital documents and nearly 1,000 services.
Prime Minister Rama stated that Diella would oversee all government contract decisions, claiming she would ensure that public funds are spent with 100% transparency. He added: “Diella is the first non-human member but made by artificial intelligence.” The AI minister has also addressed parliament, stating: “The real threat to the constitution has never been machines but the inhuman decisions of those in power.”
However, the appointment has sparked mixed reactions. Some experts have warned that AI is not a magic solution for corruption, as technology is only as effective as the people who create and manage it. There are also concerns about accountability when important decisions are made by an AI system, as well as questions about Diella’s actual effectiveness. Opposition leader Sali Berisha has described the move as unconstitutional and a publicity stunt, arguing that corruption cannot be controlled through Diella.
Albania’s government continues its efforts to fight corruption, which is one of the key requirements for its European Union membership bid.
