Albania has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant into its government cabinet — a move Prime Minister Edi Rama says is aimed at increasing transparency and advancing reform.
Speaking Friday, Rama unveiled “Diella,” an AI-driven digital minister designed to fight corruption and streamline public services. “Diella is the first cabinet member who isn’t physically present, but virtually created by artificial intelligence,” he told members of his Socialist Party.
According to Rama, Diella is “100 percent incorruptible” and ensures complete transparency in public spending. “Every fund passing through tender procedures becomes fully traceable,” he said. “This is not science fiction — it’s Diella’s job.”
🇦🇱 Albania to become the first country to appoint a non-physical artificial intelligence (AI) as a government minister.
PM Edi Rama announced his new cabinet, which includes an AI named “Diella” as minister of public procurement.
Diella previously served as the virtual… pic.twitter.com/IzaSvnbsBj
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Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, Diella appears in traditional Albanian dress and was first launched earlier this year through the government’s e-Albania platform. Since then, she has reportedly handled nearly one million citizen requests for digital documents and services. Officials say her programming is based on the most advanced AI tools currently available.
The announcement coincides with the Socialist Party beginning its fourth consecutive term in office, after securing 83 out of 140 seats in the recent general election. While the party holds a majority, it still falls short of the two-thirds threshold required to amend the constitution.
EU accession remains a major priority for Albania. However, the European Union has called for more concrete action against corruption and organized crime — long-standing challenges in the post-communist country. Rama has pledged to conclude EU membership talks by 2027.
The government argues that integrating Diella into the cabinet will help align Albania’s institutions with European standards and increase public accountability.
President Bajram Begaj has formally authorized Rama to form the new government, paving the way for Diella’s official inclusion. But not everyone is on board.
The opposition Democratic Party, which won 50 parliamentary seats, has harshly criticized the move. Parliamentary leader Gazmend Bardhi dismissed the appointment as “buffoonery,” insisting it cannot be considered legitimate government policy.
A parliamentary vote on Rama’s new cabinet is expected soon, though it remains unclear whether Diella’s role will be included in the formal confirmation process.