Meet Diella: the world’s first AI minister leading Albania’s anti-corruption efforts

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has officially made its way into the halls of power, literally.

In a groundbreaking move, Albania has introduced the world’s first AI-powered “virtual minister,” aptly named Diella, to combat corruption and streamline government operations.

While it might sound like the plot of a futuristic movie, this is happening now, and it could mark the beginning of a global shift in how governments operate.

But what does this mean for everyday people, and why should you care? Let’s break it down. Imagine a government official who never sleeps, seeks no power, and has no hidden agenda. That’s Diella, a virtual assistant turned “minister,” overseeing public tenders and promoting transparency in Albania.

Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced Diella at a cabinet meeting, calling her appointment a step toward making public procurement completely corruption-free.

Her name, meaning “sun” in Albanian, positions Diella as a symbol of hope for a country long troubled by graft and inefficiency.

Rama’s vision is bold: to use AI to leapfrog traditional bureaucratic systems and build a government that’s faster, more efficient, and immune to human flaws.

“We’re working with a brilliant team, both Albanian and international, to create the first full AI model for public procurement,” he told the BBC.

Why an AI Minister?

Corruption in public tenders has been a thorn in Albania’s side for years. These processes, where companies bid for government contracts, are often mired in scandals involving bribery, favouritism, and fraud.

For a country aiming to join the European Union (EU) by 2030, cleaning up its act is not just a moral imperative but a political necessity.

Here’s where Diella comes in. Unlike human officials, she can evaluate bids based solely on data, without bias or external influence. This means:

• Transparency: Every step of the bidding process is tracked and accessible.
• Efficiency: Decisions are made quickly, cutting through bureaucratic red tape.
• Accountability: No more shady backroom deals; everything is out in the open.

It’s a revolutionary concept, but not without its challenges. Critics have raised questions about oversight and the potential risks of hackers manipulating the system. Still, the potential for AI to make governments more trustworthy is hard to ignore.

Albania isn’t just experimenting with AI, it’s betting big on it. Diella first appeared earlier this year as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform, helping citizens obtain documents and navigate government services. Since then, she’s processed over a million applications and issued 36,600 digital documents, saving countless hours of bureaucratic headaches.

Rama sees Diella’s promotion to “minister” as a natural next step. “We want to leapfrog bigger, more advanced countries that are stuck in traditional ways of working,” he said.

But not everyone is on board. Opponents have dismissed the move as “theatrical” and even “unconstitutional”, pointing out that Albania’s laws require ministers to be human citizens over 18 years old.

However, supporters argue that the symbolic appointment sends a powerful message about the future of governance.

Albania isn’t alone in exploring AI’s potential to fight corruption. Around the world, governments are using AI to detect fraud, analyse spending patterns, and flag irregularities. For example:

• South Korea: AI systems monitor public officials’ financial transactions for signs of corruption.
• Estonia: Known as one of the most digitally advanced nations, Estonia uses AI to manage everything from tax filings to judicial decisions.
• India: AI tools help track illegal mining and environmental violations.

These initiatives highlight a growing trend: AI isn’t just a tool for private companies. It’s becoming a key player in public service, offering solutions to problems that have plagued societies for decades.

Dr Andi Hoxhaj, a specialist in corruption and the rule of law at King’s College London, believes Albania’s embrace of AI is driven by its desire to join the EU.

Speaking to BBC, she said, “The main precondition from the EU has been to address corruption. If Diella can be a vehicle toward that goal, it’s worth exploring,” he says.

Aneida Bajraktari Bicja, founder of Balkans Capital, agrees that Diella could improve transparency and trust in public procurement. However, she cautions that the project must go beyond symbolism to deliver real results.

At its core, the rise of AI in governance isn’t just about technology; it’s about people. For citizens, it means faster services, fewer bribes, and more faith in public institutions. For governments, it’s a chance to rebuild trust and prove that they’re serious about reform.

But there’s also a deeper question: What role should AI play in our lives? While Diella’s story is inspiring, it also raises concerns about ethics, accountability, and the loss of human touch in decision-making.

As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, we’ll need to strike a balance between innovation and humanity.