Experts Slam Albania’s Mid-September Appointment of AI ‘Minister’ Diella

Albania’s appointment of an artificial intelligence generated “minister” to oversee public procurement in mid-September 2025 has triggered widespread debate, with experts and opposition figures questioning the legality, accountability and effectiveness of the move.

Prime Minister Edi Rama unveiled “Diella,” an AI-powered virtual official tasked with supervising public tenders in a bid to eliminate corruption and improve transparency.

The government described the appointment as a world first, saying the system would ensure a “100 percent clean” procurement process.

However, technology analysts, legal scholars and opposition politicians have raised serious concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding Diella’s operations. They warn that because the AI system’s algorithms, data sources and decision-making processes have not been publicly disclosed, it is impossible to verify whether the program will genuinely reduce graft or whether it could introduce new forms of bias.

Critics also question the constitutional basis of the appointment, noting that under Albanian law only citizens can hold ministerial office.

They have demanded judicial review of the decision and called for a clear mechanism to ensure a human official remains accountable for any decisions made by the AI.

“Delegating core government functions to a machine without a transparent oversight structure risks eroding public trust,” said one legal expert quoted in local media.

“Without clear rules, who is responsible when the AI makes mistakes?”

The controversy comes as Albania continues its push for European Union membership, where rule-of-law and anti-corruption standards are key accession requirements.

Observers say the outcome of the debate over Diella could influence how EU institutions view Albania’s reform credentials.

Despite the criticism, Prime Minister Rama has defended the initiative, insisting that Diella represents “the future of good governance” and will strengthen public confidence in state institutions.

It remains unclear how much decision-making power Diella will wield in practice or how appeals against its determinations will be handled. The government says details of the oversight process will be published in coming weeks.