Albania’s prime minister has unveiled a world first by appointing an artificial intelligence-generated “minister” to his new cabinet, tasking the virtual figure with tackling corruption and promoting innovation.
The new AI minister, named Diella — derived from the Albanian word for “sun” — was introduced on Friday as a digital member of government.
“She will be a member of the cabinet who is not present physically but has been created virtually,” Prime Minister Edi Rama announced in a Facebook post.
According to Rama, Diella’s main responsibility will be to ensure that public tenders are “completely free of corruption” while also helping government operations become more efficient and transparent.
Developed earlier this year in partnership with Microsoft, Diella is built on advanced AI models and already serves as a virtual assistant on Albania’s e-Albania public services platform. Dressed in traditional Albanian attire in her public portrayal, she helps users access more than one million digital documents and services.
Albania’s ruling Socialist Party secured a fourth consecutive term in May, winning 83 of 140 parliamentary seats. Rama has pledged to secure European Union membership by 2027, though opposition parties remain sceptical, citing persistent problems with organised crime and graft.
Analysts say the creation of an AI cabinet member is a bold statement aimed at aligning the Western Balkan country with EU standards while modernising state institutions. Supporters argue Diella could be an effective tool against corruption, though critics question whether a virtual minister can replace political accountability.
President Bajram Begaj has formally tasked Rama with forming the new government, giving the prime minister authority to integrate the AI-powered Diella into Albania’s reform agenda.
If successful, Diella may set a precedent for how governments worldwide harness artificial intelligence in governance.
