In an unprecedented move, Albania government has named an artificial intelligence system called Diella as the country’s new AI Minister for public procurement. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced Diella on September 11, 2025, while introducing his newest cabinet.
While there will ultimately be no minister Diella, as the Albanian constitution states that ministers must be human citizens at least eighteen years of age, the announcement is an important signal of the direction governments are headed when it comes to applying artificial intelligence to their operations. This historic decision marks Albania appoints AI minister, making Diella the first AI government official.
Who Is Diella?
Diella, which means “sun” in Albanian, represents a virtual entity developed with Microsoft. Diella was a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform, used by more than a million citizens on public services and official documentation. Diella will now manage the public tenders and will ensure that all proceedings follow procedures without implying any corrupt practices. As the Diella AI cabinet member, it is expected to function with full transparency and neutrality.
The Motivation Behind the Move
Corruption has been a continual challenge in Albania government, and it has mainly appeared in public procurement. The government aims to use Diella to eliminate human biases and outside pressures that can distort fairness. Prime Minister Rama noted that Diella’s assignment is to create a fully transparent and corruption-free process. This will improve efficiency and integrity in public management. The Diella AI cabinet member initiative is part of a broader agenda to modernize the public sector and use new technology to increase trust in institutions.
Public Reaction and Criticism
The announcement has sparked a wide range of responses. Supporters see the appointment as a groundbreaking way to advance modern governance and a firm step to curb corruption. Critics, including members of the opposition Democratic Party, have called it a “ridiculous” and “unconstitutional” action, and questioned the technicalities of placing the duties of government in the hands of a non-human entity. Still, the appointment of an AI Minister is a bold signal from Albania government that artificial intelligence can play a key role in decision-making.
Expert Opinions
Governance and technology experts have provided considered views. Dr Andi Hoxhaj, King’s College London, has said that if Diella is programmed correctly, it could reduce corruption significantly, as it would help ensure that the bids and procurement processes were objectively followed according to the criteria without the human component. Experts are also warning that bias in the training data, and lack of any accountability measure can work against this, demonstrating the need for careful control as well. Observers note that Diella, as the first AI government official, could set a global precedent for AI Minister roles.
Looking Ahead
Albania appoints AI minister may serve as a benchmark for other countries with similar struggles of corruption within public procurement. If the initiative meets its intended purpose, it can facilitate widespread use of artificial intelligence in governance, but it could also allow for transformational shift in how public services are delivered and managed.
As observers around the world keep a watchful eye on Albania government’s progress, the country may seek to redefine the relationship between technology and government, illustrating how Diella as an AI Minister can be an enhancement to human decision-making and establish new standards of public administration.
Read Also: Morris Hospital to Pay $1.36 Million Settlement After Data Breach
