Enio Kaso, head of the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency Licensing shows the AI "minister" Diella, whose name means "Sun" in Albanian, during a conference call in Tirana, Albania, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (AP Photo)
Albania has made history with an unusual appointment. Prime Minister Edi Rama has added a new face to his Cabinet—though this one doesn’t exist in the physical world.
The country’s newest minister is Diella, an Artificial Intelligence-powered virtual figure designed to promote transparency, speed up governance, and fight corruption.
Who Is Diella?
Diella, whose name comes from the Albanian word for “female,” is not a human official. Instead, she is a digital creation built with the help of Microsoft. Depicted in traditional Albanian folk attire, Diella began her journey as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania public service platform earlier this year.
Through that platform, she has already guided citizens through more than one million online inquiries and document requests. Now, her role is expanding into the political sphere.
Rama’s Big Promise
Prime Minister Rama announced Diella’s new ministerial duties through a social media post. He promised the AI-driven figure would ensure that public tenders remain “100 percent free of corruption.” He also argued that she would help government processes become faster, more transparent, and more accurate.
According to the National Agency for Information Society, Diella relies on the latest AI models and techniques to carry out her work effectively.
Political Backdrop
Rama’s Socialist Party recently secured its fourth consecutive term, winning 83 out of 140 parliamentary seats in the May elections. This majority allows the party to govern without coalition partners, although constitutional changes would still require two-thirds of the Assembly.
The government has pledged to secure European Union membership for Albania by 2027. While Rama’s camp says it is achievable, opposition parties remain skeptical, pointing to persistent challenges such as corruption and organized crime.
EU Path and Local Governance
Albania opened full EU accession talks last year. Officials argue that Diella will play a role in aligning the country with European Union standards. She is expected to help local authorities adapt more quickly to the bloc’s practices and pace of work.
President Bajram Begaj has already given Rama the mandate to form the new government, which analysts say provides legal ground for Diella’s appointment.
A Controversial Appointment
Still, questions remain about Diella’s legal status. Some lawmakers argue the Constitution does not allow a virtual minister. The opposition Democratic Party, which won 50 seats in parliament, has been especially vocal.
Its parliamentary leader, Gazmend Bardhi, dismissed the appointment, calling it unconstitutional and labeling Rama’s move “buffoonery.”
Even so, Diella’s role has drawn attention beyond partisan lines, raising broader debates about technology’s place in governance.
What Comes Next
Parliament began swearing in lawmakers on Friday, with a vote on Rama’s Cabinet expected soon. It is unclear whether Diella’s position will be put to a formal vote. Legal experts suggest further clarification may be needed before her role is fully recognized.
For now, Albania stands out as one of the first countries to test the idea of an AI-powered minister. Whether Diella will become a trusted tool for reform—or remain a symbolic experiment—will depend on how effectively she can deliver on Rama’s ambitious promises.
