In September 2025, Albania introduced a virtual minister powered by artificial intelligence (AI), named “Diella.” The name means “sun” in Albanian. The system was introduced to improve transparency and help prevent corruption in government procurement.

    Diella was originally developed as an AI assistant for Albania's online government service, e-Albania, helping citizens access public services and complete administrative procedures. The government then announced plans to expand its role into public administration, particularly in the management of public procurement.

    However, Diella does not have the same legal authority as a human minister. Prime Minister Edi Rama remains responsible for the operation of the virtual AI ministry.

    Developments in 2026 also highlighted challenges. Preparations for introducing AI into public procurement continued, while legal concerns emerged over the use of the actress's image and voice to represent Diella.

Comment from GAME-F

Generative AI is expanding beyond its familiar role as a tool for writing, searching for information, and answering questions. It is beginning to take on new roles within government and other social institutions.Albania's experiment raises important questions: How much decision-making should be delegated to AI? Who should be responsible when an AI system makes a mistake?

    In the society where today's children will live and work, it will be increasingly important not only to know how to use AI, but also to understand its decisions, critically evaluate its outputs, and recognize the importance of human responsibility.

References

Government of Albania — Diella

Government of Albania — Swearing-in Ceremony of the New Government, September 19, 2025

Reuters — Albania appoints AI bot as minister to tackle corruption (September 2025)

Reuters — Albanian actor sues government over use of her image for AI minister (February 2026)