Artificial Intelligence robot appointed as minister in Albania, marking a groundbreaking global debut in combating corruption
In a bid to tackle corruption and accelerate its European Union (EU) aspirations, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has appointed an artificial intelligence-generated 'minister' named Diella. This virtual assistant, meaning 'sun' in Albanian, was launched earlier this year on the e-Albania public service platform.
Diella, depicted on-screen in a traditional Albanian folk costume, has been tasked with ensuring that public tenders will be 100 percent free of corruption. However, the appointment has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing concerns about its effectiveness and potential risks of manipulation.
Rama has not specified what human oversight will guide Diella, and legal experts suggest that clarification of its official status may be necessary. Gazmend Bardhi, parliamentary leader of the Democrats, has called Diella's appointment unconstitutional.
Despite the controversy, Diella has already provided nearly 1,000 services and issued 36,600 documents, helping users navigate the e-Albania public service platform and access about one million digital documents. Public opinion remains divided about Diella's ability to address corruption, with some Facebook users expressing concerns that it may be corrupted or blamed for continued corruption in Albania.
Corruption has long been a key obstacle to Albania's EU aspirations, particularly in the awarding of tenders. The Albanian government aims to conclude EU negotiations by 2027, and the Prime Minister's Socialist Party has pledged to achieve EU membership within five years.
However, the path to EU membership is fraught with challenges, and the appointment of Diella is just one step in the journey. The Albanian government will need to address these concerns and demonstrate a commitment to combating corruption if it is to realise its EU aspirations.
As lawmakers prepare to vote on Rama's new cabinet, it remains unclear if Diella's virtual position will be formally approved. Regardless, the appointment of Diella underscores the Albanian government's willingness to embrace innovation in its fight against corruption. Whether this initiative proves to be a successful strategy remains to be seen.
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