Albania Appoints AI Minister Agent to Oversee Public Procurement
Created on September 12|Last edited on September 12
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Albania has taken an unprecedented step in government reform by appointing an artificial intelligence system as a cabinet minister. The AI bot, named Diella, will oversee all public procurement contracts, a sector long plagued by corruption scandals.
Procurement is the process by which governments, companies, or organizations buy goods, services, or works from outside suppliers. It covers everything from identifying what is needed, finding potential suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing the delivery of those goods or services.
A Virtual Minister Against Corruption
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Diella, whose name means “sun” in Albanian, would be tasked with awarding public tenders. He emphasized that unlike human ministers, she would be immune to bribery, political pressure, or favoritism. Rama presented the move as part of his effort to make Albania “a country where public tenders are 100% free of corruption.”
Corruption and EU Aspirations
Public procurement has been one of the most corruption-prone areas in Albania, where criminal networks and political influence have historically distorted contract awards. These issues have complicated the country’s bid to join the European Union, a goal Rama has set for 2030. Analysts, however, describe that timeline as highly ambitious given the scale of institutional reforms required.
Origins of Diella
Diella was first launched earlier in 2025 as a virtual assistant on Albania’s e-government platform, e-Albania. Initially, she helped citizens and businesses obtain documents electronically, reducing bureaucracy and processing delays. Her new role as a minister marks a major expansion of her responsibilities and visibility in governance.
Public Reaction and Concerns
Reactions among Albanians have been mixed. While some see Diella as a bold experiment in curbing graft, others express skepticism. Social media users joked that “even Diella will be corrupted in Albania,” reflecting deep public cynicism about the country’s entrenched corruption. Critics have also raised concerns about the lack of clarity over human oversight, as well as the risk of manipulation of the AI system itself.
Next Steps for the Government
The new parliament, elected in May, is scheduled to convene soon, though it is not yet clear when the new government will receive a formal vote of approval. Whether Diella’s appointment will mark a turning point in Albania’s governance or become another controversial experiment remains to be seen.
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