A Historic First for Global Politics
Albania has taken a groundbreaking step in governance by appointing Diella, an artificial intelligence system, as the world’s first AI-made minister. Unlike ministers for AI, Diella is a fully virtual government member, composed of pixels and code.
Her primary responsibility will be overseeing all public procurement, a sector long plagued by corruption. This move positions Albania as a global pioneer in integrating AI into state decision-making.
Meet Diella: Albania’s Digital Minister
The name Diella, meaning “sunshine” in Albanian, reflects Prime Minister Edi Rama’s vision of transparency and clarity in government processes. Diella has already been integrated into Albania’s e-Albania platform, which provides digital access to nearly all state services. She even has an avatar, designed as a young woman in traditional Albanian clothing, making her more relatable to citizens. Her appointment signals a bold attempt to blend tradition with futuristic governance.
Public Procurement Under AI Oversight
Public procurement has been one of Albania’s most corruption-prone areas, regularly criticized in European Union rule of law reports. Rama emphasized that moving tender decisions to Diella will make the process “100 percent incorruptible” and fully transparent. The AI will handle tenders step by step, with the aim of ensuring every euro spent is visible and traceable. This could mark a turning point in Albania’s fight against systemic corruption.
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Breaking Bureaucratic Barriers
Beyond procurement, Diella will also have the authority to “hire talents from all over the world,” according to Rama. By bypassing traditional bureaucracy, she is expected to dismantle long-standing prejudices and administrative rigidity. This flexibility could open opportunities for skilled professionals to contribute without being bound by political influence. It also underlines how AI governance could streamline state operations in ways human ministers cannot.
Political Context and EU Aspirations
Prime Minister Rama, who secured a historic fourth mandate in May 2025, has set the ambitious goal of Albania joining the European Union by 2030. The appointment of Diella fits into his narrative of modernization and reform. By demonstrating innovation in governance, Albania is aiming to showcase itself as a forward-thinking candidate for EU membership.
However, critics may question whether AI can truly remain immune to manipulation and whether accountability can be ensured.
The Future of AI in Governance
During the summer, Rama mused that Albania might one day have a fully AI prime minister. The rapid introduction of Diella suggests that such futuristic scenarios may not be far off. If successful, Albania’s model could inspire other nations to experiment with AI-driven governance. For now, Diella’s performance in managing procurement will be closely watched at home and abroad. Her effectiveness could redefine what it means to serve in government in the digital age.
