TIRANA, Albania (AP) — In a groundbreaking move, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Friday that Albania's new cabinet will feature an artificial intelligence "minister" named Diella. This virtual minister is tasked with overseeing public funding projects and combatting corruption in public tenders. Diella, whose name means "Sun" in Albanian, represents a unique addition to the cabinet, being a creation of artificial intelligence without a physical presence.
Prime Minister Rama emphasized that the introduction of Diella aims to ensure that "public tenders will be 100% free of corruption." This initiative marks a significant step in Albania's ongoing efforts to address the pervasive issue of corruption, which has plagued the country since the fall of its communist regime in 1990. Diella was initially launched earlier this year as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania public service platform, where she assists users in navigating the site while donned in traditional Albanian folk attire.
The announcement comes on the heels of the Socialist Party's victory in the May 11 parliamentary elections, where they secured 83 of the 140 seats in the Assembly, marking their fourth consecutive term in power. While the party now holds a solid majority, allowing them to govern independently, they require a two-thirds majority—93 seats—to amend the Constitution. This political landscape provides the Socialist Party with the opportunity to implement various reforms.
In light of their electoral success, the Socialists have made a bold pledge to deliver European Union membership for Albania within five years, targeting the completion of negotiations by 2027. However, this commitment has been met with skepticism by the opposition Democratic Party, which argues that Albania is not adequately prepared to meet the EU's membership criteria.
The Democratic Party, led by former Prime Minister and President Sali Berisha, only managed to secure 50 seats in the legislature. Despite voicing opposition to the election results due to alleged irregularities, the party's members attended the inaugural session of the newly formed parliament. The remaining seats in the Assembly were allocated to four smaller political parties.
Legal experts have expressed that further work may be necessary to establish the official status of Diella as a minister within the governmental framework. The introduction of an AI minister raises questions regarding legal status, accountability, and the integration of artificial intelligence into governance. As Albania continues to navigate complex political and social landscapes, the effectiveness and implications of using AI in public administration will likely remain in focus.
As the new parliamentary session commenced, the process to swear in new lawmakers began on Friday. Lawmakers were set to elect a new speaker and deputy speakers while formally presenting Rama's new cabinet. The introduction of Diella represents a significant step in integrating technology into governance, seeking to enhance transparency and accountability in public sector operations, crucial for rebuilding trust among citizens in Albania.
