Albania Appoints AI as Minister for Public Procurement in Anti-Corruption Drive

In a groundbreaking move, Albania has become the first country globally to appoint an artificial intelligence as a minister. The AI, named Diella--meaning 'sun' in Albanian--was previously a chatbot on a government portal and will now oversee public procurement processes, as announced by Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Diella's appointment marks a significant step towards combating widespread corruption in Albania, particularly in the allocation of public contracts, a major hurdle for the nation's aspirations to join the European Union by 2030. The government aims to leverage technology to ensure that public tenders are conducted transparently and free from corrupt practices.

During the announcement, Prime Minister Rama highlighted that Diella represents the first cabinet member who exists solely in a digital realm. The government plans to increasingly delegate responsibilities to technology, hoping this will foster an environment where public procurement can be "100 percent free from corruption."

Diella, portrayed as a young woman dressed in traditional Albanian attire, has been assisting citizens on the government portal by helping them electronically sign documents. Her transition from a chatbot to a virtual minister signifies Albania's innovative approach to tackling corruption, which has plagued its public sector for years.

Rama has previously indicated a desire to assign more functions to artificial intelligence during his term, emphasizing that this initiative is not merely a theoretical concept. The Prime Minister's vision seeks to revolutionize the public procurement landscape in the Balkans, potentially setting a precedent for other nations facing similar challenges.

Corruption remains a pressing issue in Albania, especially regarding the awarding of public contracts to private firms and within the construction sector. The government's initiative to introduce AI into this critical area is seen as a promising strategy to enhance governance and restore public trust.

As Albania navigates its path toward EU membership, this innovative use of technology could serve as a model for other countries grappling with corruption, demonstrating how digital solutions can play a crucial role in fostering accountability and transparency.