Albania has made headlines by appointing an artificial intelligence bot as its new minister in charge of public procurement. Prime Minister Edi Rama presented “Diella” — a computer-generated character — as part of his new cabinet, describing her as immune to bribes or intimidation.
The government says Diella will manage all public tenders, a sector widely criticised as a hub of corruption.
For decades, public contracts have been dogged by scandals, fuelling the reputation of Albania as a money-laundering centre for criminal networks. Rama argues the move will bring transparency and help the country move closer to European Union membership.
Read More: Pakistan Off Wada Watchlist as Anti-Doping Reforms Pay Off
But critics are unconvinced. The government has not explained how Diella will be safeguarded against manipulation or what level of human oversight will remain.
Some analysts warn that without strict checks, the system could be gamed in new ways, creating fresh avenues for corruption instead of eliminating it.
Diella first appeared earlier this year as a virtual assistant on Albania’s e-government platform, issuing state documents electronically and providing help to citizens. While this earlier role was seen as a success in cutting red tape, her elevation to cabinet rank has triggered heated debate.
Public reaction has been mixed. On social media, one user remarked: “Even Diella will be corrupted in Albania.” Another commented: “Stealing will continue and Diella will be blamed.”
