For government officials, being called 'heartless' is an occupational hazard. But Albania has chosen to turn that insult into a positive quality by appointing an AI minister, known simply as Diella. Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced her as a member of his new cabinet four months after securing his fourth term in office. While the move is symbolic due to constitutional constraints on ministers' qualifications, Diella is tasked with ensuring that public tenders in Albania are entirely free of corruption. By employing AI, Rama hopes not only to eliminate potential influences on public bids but also to streamline and enhance the accountability of the procurement process. The initiative has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a publicity stunt, while others see potential for real reform in public procurement transparency. Diella is already familiar with the Albanian public, having operated as an AI-powered virtual assistant, assisting over a million applications on the e-Albania platform. Rama's vision extends beyond mere representation; he aims for Albania to leapfrog more advanced nations stuck in traditional practices, as the drive to address corruption becomes crucial for the country's EU accession efforts.
Albania Appoints World's First AI Minister to Combat Corruption

Albania Appoints World's First AI Minister to Combat Corruption
In a groundbreaking move, Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama introduces Diella, the world's first AI minister, aimed at eliminating corruption in public procurement processes.
Albania has made a historic appointment by introducing Diella, the world's first AI minister, who will oversee public procurement and aims to eradicate corruption in the government's tendering processes. Prime Minister Edi Rama believes that the AI can help make the procurement process more efficient and transparent. While the initiative has faced criticism, it has also garnered cautious optimism about the potential for AI to aid in reducing graft. Diella has already assisted in over a million applications on e-Albania and is seen as a potential game-changer in government operation.