Albania Appoints AI Minister to Oversee Public Procurement

• Albania introduces Diella, an AI-powered virtual minister, to manage public tenders and reduce corruption in government contracting.

A Digital Minister for a Persistent Problem

Albania has taken an unprecedented step by appointing an artificial intelligence system named Diella to oversee public procurement. Prime Minister Edi Rama, beginning his fourth term, announced that Diella will be responsible for managing and awarding government contracts to private companies. The move is intended to eliminate human bias, bribery, and favoritism from a process long plagued by corruption scandals. Diella’s name, meaning “sun” in Albanian, symbolizes transparency and clarity in governance.

Public tenders have historically been a source of controversy in Albania, often linked to organized crime and money laundering. Experts say that corruption in procurement has reached high levels of government, complicating the country’s efforts to join the European Union. Rama has set a goal of EU accession by 2030, though analysts view this timeline as optimistic. The appointment of an AI minister is part of a broader strategy to improve institutional trust and administrative integrity.

From Virtual Assistant to Cabinet Role

Diella was first introduced in January 2025 as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform, helping citizens and businesses access government services. She provided voice-guided support and issued electronically stamped documents, streamlining bureaucratic procedures. Her avatar, dressed in traditional Albanian attire, became a familiar presence in digital interactions. With the new appointment, Diella’s role expands from service facilitation to decision-making in public procurement.

The government has not disclosed what level of human oversight will accompany Diella’s new responsibilities. Questions remain about how the AI system will be monitored and protected from potential manipulation. Critics argue that assigning a cabinet-level role to a non-human entity raises constitutional and accountability concerns. Despite these uncertainties, officials maintain that Diella will operate with full transparency and objective evaluation criteria.

Public Reaction and Broader Implications

Reactions to Diella’s appointment have been mixed, with some praising the innovation and others expressing skepticism. Social media users voiced doubts about whether corruption can truly be eliminated, even with an AI system in place. One commenter remarked, “Even Diella will be corrupted in Albania,” while another suggested that blame will simply shift to the bot. These sentiments reflect broader concerns about trust in digital governance.

The new parliament, elected in May, is scheduled to convene soon, though it remains unclear when the government will be formally voted in. Diella’s integration into the cabinet marks a significant shift in how Albania approaches administrative reform. If successful, the initiative could serve as a model for other countries exploring AI in public service. Transparency, oversight, and measurable outcomes will be key to determining its long-term impact.