In a historic move, Albania has appointed the world’s first AI government minister, a decision that has sparked both intrigue and controversy. Last week, Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced Diella, an artificial intelligence entity, to oversee public tenders with the promise of making them “100 percent corruption-free.” On Thursday, Diella addressed Albania’s parliament for the first time, asserting its role as a helper rather than a replacement for human officials.
The announcement comes amid constitutional concerns, with critics questioning the legality of an AI holding a government position. Diella, appearing in a video as a woman dressed in traditional Albanian attire, addressed these issues head-on. “Some have called me ‘unconstitutional’ because I am not a human being,” Diella stated, emphasizing that the true threat to constitutions lies in “the inhumane decisions of those in power.”
AI Minister’s Role and Responsibilities
Prime Minister Rama has entrusted Diella with the critical task of overseeing public tenders, aiming for complete transparency and the elimination of corruption. “Every public fund submitted to the tender procedure will be perfectly transparent,” Rama assured. This initiative aligns with Albania’s ongoing struggle against corruption, a significant hurdle in its bid to join the European Union.
Diella’s introduction follows its launch in January as an AI-powered virtual assistant designed to aid citizens in navigating the e-Albania platform, which offers various governmental services and documents. Despite its intended role as a tool for transparency, the AI minister has faced opposition from political figures who question its efficacy and constitutionality.
Opposition and Criticism
The appointment of Diella has not been without its detractors. Former Prime Minister and opposition leader Sali Berisha has been vocal in his criticism, accusing the government of using the AI minister as a distraction. “The goal is nothing more than to attract attention,” Berisha stated, expressing skepticism about Diella’s ability to curb corruption.
Berisha, who himself has faced accusations of graft, argued, “Who will control Diella? Diella is unconstitutional, and the Democratic Party will take the matter to the Constitutional Court.” The government’s plans were adopted following a heated debate, with the opposition boycotting the vote.
Implications for Albania’s EU Aspirations
Albania’s fight against corruption is a critical component of its aspirations to join the European Union by 2030. The nation currently ranks 80th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s corruption index, highlighting the challenges it faces. The appointment of an AI minister is a bold step in addressing these issues, though its effectiveness remains to be seen.
Diella responded to constitutional concerns by emphasizing its commitment to transparency and accountability. “The law speaks of duties, responsibilities, transparency, without discrimination,” the AI stated. “I assure you, I embody these values as rigorously as any human colleague. Perhaps even more so.”
Albania ranks 80th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s corruption index.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of an AI minister represents a significant technological and political experiment for Albania. As the country navigates its path towards EU membership, the effectiveness of Diella in combating corruption will be closely scrutinized. The coming months will likely determine whether this innovative approach can deliver on its promises or if it will face further challenges from political and legal arenas.
Prime Minister Rama’s vision for a corruption-free Albania hinges on the success of this AI initiative. As the world watches, Albania’s experiment with artificial intelligence in governance could set a precedent for other nations grappling with similar issues.
