MWE Correspondent
In a world first, Albania has appointed an artificial intelligence system named Diella as a virtual government minister, tasked with overseeing public procurement.
The announcement, made by Prime Minister Edi Rama, aims to tackle corruption and bring greater transparency to government contracts, a persistent challenge in the country’s administration.
Diella, whose name translates to “sun” in Albanian, was initially introduced as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform, helping citizens navigate bureaucratic services digitally. Now elevated to ministerial responsibilities, Diella will evaluate government tenders, award contracts based on objective criteria, and monitor compliance, minimizing human bias and inefficiency. The move underscores Albania’s push to align with European Union standards as it continues its long journey toward EU membership.
Also Read; U.S. Envoy Warns Tanzanians Against Visa Overstays
Public reaction to Diella’s appointment has been mixed. Supporters see it as a bold step toward reducing corruption and modernizing governance, noting that AI’s impartiality could prevent favoritism and bribery. Critics, however, caution that reliance on AI raises questions about accountability, ethics, and legal oversight. Opposition parties have argued the move is unconstitutional, and the president has yet to formally endorse the appointment pending clarification on Diella’s legal authority.
Experts emphasize that the success of such an initiative depends not only on technology but also on strong legal frameworks, continuous monitoring, and transparency in implementation. Diella represents a test case in the global experiment of integrating AI into public administration—a challenge that blends innovation with complex governance realities.
While it remains to be seen how effective Diella will be in curbing corruption, Albania’s experiment is already drawing international attention. Countries worldwide are watching closely to see if AI can help governments become more efficient, fair, and transparent while maintaining trust with citizens.
