Albania Introduces AI-Generated Minister to Combat Corruption

The Albanian Government has introduced an AI-generated entity named Diella as part of its Cabinet to address corruption and promote transparency. Officially named Diella, which means "Sun" in Albanian, this virtual minister is designed to ensure that public tenders are free from corruption and to facilitate faster and more transparent government operations.

Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Diella, created in collaboration with Microsoft Corporation, will not physically attend Cabinet meetings but will function as a virtual assistant. Diella has been integrated into the e-Albania public service platform, where she assists users with digital inquiries and document access.

The AI minister is part of a broader strategy by the Albanian government to modernize its operations and align with European Union standards. While Diella's role is innovative, it has sparked debate regarding its constitutional validity, with some opposition leaders questioning the legality of a virtual ministerial post. Despite these concerns, the government is moving forward with its plans to leverage AI for improved governance.