Albania unveils AI minister amid controversy and opposition

In Albania, an AI-generated government minister named Diella made her debut in the parliament during a session on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Prime Minister Edi Rama presented this virtual entity as part of his government's commitment to transparency and innovation. Diella, depicted as a woman in traditional Albanian dress, delivered a three-minute address emphasizing values such as accountability and non-discrimination. The initiative is framed as a step toward tackling corruption in public spending. However, the introduction of this artificial minister sparked significant backlash from opposition lawmakers, who accuse the government of using Diella to obscure graft and diminish human accountability in governance. The introduction of Diella was not an isolated effort but was tied to Albania's broader ambition to integrate modern technological solutions into governance, especially as the country aims for European Union membership by 2030. The bot was developed in collaboration with Microsoft and previously served as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania public service platform, aiding users in navigating public services. Despite its intended purpose of enhancing governmental transparency, opposition members expressed their discontent during the parliamentary session, where they interrupted proceedings and ultimately boycotted the vote on the Cabinet’s program. In the session, Diella stated that she is not here to replace human officials but to assist them, claiming she embodies the same values as any human colleague. However, opposition lawmakers argued that a digital minister risks undermining the very principles of accountability and transparency that she is supposed to uphold. The dynamics in parliament were intense, with opposition members banging on tables in protest, which led to a curtailed session that lasted only 25 minutes. The controversy surrounding Diella's introduction highlights the delicate balance between innovation and accountability in governance. While the government asserts that this AI bot will streamline operations and help combat corruption, detractors remain skeptical about its potential effectiveness in a country where public trust in governance is already fragile. The debate over the implications of using AI in administrative roles reflects larger discussions around technology's role in public life and its impact on democratic processes. As Albania navigates its path toward EU integration, the reception of AI initiatives and the government's responses will play a pivotal role in shaping public perception and trust.