Albania appoints AI minister to tackle corruption

Albania recently implemented a noteworthy initiative to combat corruption by incorporating an artificial intelligence-generated minister into its government structure. Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced Diella, a virtual entity representing a significant step towards integrating technology in governance. Diella, whose name translates to 'Sun' in Albanian, is not a physical presence; rather, she operates in a digital capacity to oversee public funding projects and ensure transparency in public tenders. This innovative approach aims to guarantee that public tenders will be free from corruption, addressing a longstanding issue in the country since the collapse of its communist regime in 1990. The Albanian Socialist Party, led by Rama, secured a fourth consecutive term in the parliamentary elections held on May 11, where it won 83 of the 140 Assembly seats. While this majority allows the party to govern autonomously and pass most legislation, any changes to the Constitution will require a two-thirds majority—93 seats. The Socialists have pledged to facilitate Albania's membership in the European Union within five years, projecting a timeline for completion of negotiations by 2027. However, this promise has faced skepticism from the opposition, particularly the conservative Democratic Party, which holds 50 seats in the legislature and claims irregularities during the elections. Despite the ambition behind the appointment of Diella, there are legal and constitutional hurdles concerning her official status. The leader of the Democratic Party’s parliamentary group, Gazmend Bardhi, vocalized strong criticism of Diella's position as unconstitutional, labeling the Prime Minister's decision as a trivialization of government authority. As the new lawmakers were sworn in and the government was established, there were questions regarding whether Diella would be subject to any formal voting process, raising debates about the legitimacy of her ministerial role and the implications of such a unique approach to governance. Albania has faced persistent challenges regarding corruption and organized crime. Since the end of communism, corrupt practices have impeded the progress and development of the nation. The introduction of Diella is seen as an innovative tactic to leverage advanced technology for public sector improvement. Additionally, Diella has been operational as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania public service platform since earlier in the year, helping citizens navigate digital inquiries and access vital documents. This program is a collaboration between the Albanian government and Microsoft, showcasing a partnership aimed at enhancing public service delivery. The journey to establish Diella's ministerial role may require extensive legal consideration, but the intention is clear: to combat corruption and facilitate a governmental framework that prioritizes transparency.