Albania Tests AI as Minister: A Digital Governance Experiment Unfolds

Albania has announced the promotion of Diella, an artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant, to the role of "minister," marking a significant step in the government’s integration of technology into public administration. Diella, which was previously used across several government departments to streamline administrative processes, will now serve in a more strategic capacity, assisting in policy implementation and public communication. The move is part of the government’s broader digital transformation strategy, aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement.

The AI system was first introduced in early 2023 to handle routine inquiries, automate documentation, and provide real-time data analysis for decision-making. Since its deployment, Diella has reportedly managed over 1.2 million interactions across various ministries, significantly reducing response times and administrative backlogs. The expansion of its role to a ministerial level reflects growing confidence in the system’s capabilities and the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for public service improvement.

According to the government, Diella’s new responsibilities include coordinating between departments, providing policy insights based on real-time data, and facilitating direct communication with citizens through a centralized digital platform. The AI is expected to enhance inter-ministerial collaboration and reduce bureaucratic delays, potentially serving as a model for other countries exploring similar digital reforms.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential risks of delegating ministerial functions to an AI system, including issues of accountability, ethical considerations, and the possibility of technical failures during critical policy implementation. While the government has emphasized that Diella will operate under human oversight, the extent of its decision-making authority remains unclear. Some analysts suggest that the AI will function more as an advisory and administrative tool rather than an independent policymaker.

The initiative has also sparked discussions about the future of AI in governance, particularly in smaller economies where digital infrastructure is rapidly evolving. Albania’s approach is seen as a test case for how governments can effectively balance technological innovation with public trust and regulatory oversight. As the government continues to refine Diella’s capabilities, it is likely to release more detailed performance metrics and policy outcomes to demonstrate the effectiveness of its digital transformation efforts.