TIRANA — In a move that could reshape the way governments think about governance and technology, Albania has appointed the world’s first artificial intelligence minister. Prime Minister Edi Rama has named Diella, a fully digital figure whose name means “sun” in Albanian, to his new cabinet.
Diella is not an unfamiliar face. Earlier this year, she debuted on e-Albania, the government’s central digital platform, as a virtual assistant. Clad in traditional Albanian attire, she guided citizens through online services, from filling out official forms to navigating complex bureaucratic procedures. Now, she steps into a far more prominent role: a cabinet minister.
A Historic Experiment
For Mr. Rama, the appointment is about more than symbolism. “In the digital age, governments must also evolve,” he said. “Diella will serve as a new bridge of trust between citizens and institutions.”
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Around the world, AI has quietly seeped into governance — whether in the form of chatbots that assist citizens or algorithmic tools that analyze data for policymaking. But elevating a digital figure to cabinet rank is unprecedented. Political observers say the move could mark the beginning of a new era, one where politics and technology converge in ways few had anticipated.
Questions and Concerns
The decision has also drawn sharp criticism. Skeptics argue that placing AI at the heart of political decision-making risks oversimplifying the deeply human, emotional and social dimensions of governance. Others point to questions of data security and privacy — particularly when sensitive personal information flows through machine-driven systems.
Professor Triveni Singh, a noted cybercrime expert and former IPS officer, cautioned against overreliance:
“If governments depend heavily on AI, the risks of cyber threats multiply. Data breaches, hacking, or algorithmic manipulation are not just technical issues — they can shake the very foundations of democracy. For an experiment like an ‘AI minister,’ strong cybersecurity and transparent oversight mechanisms are not optional, they are essential.”
Between Symbolism and Reality
Historians note that Diella’s appointment echoes earlier milestones in cabinet politics — such as the first inclusion of women or minority groups in the 20th century, which challenged traditional notions of power and representation. The open question now is whether Diella will remain a symbolic figurehead or exert real influence over policymaking.
If the experiment succeeds, some argue, the notion of an “AI government” could move from speculative fiction into political reality.