Albania names virtual AI procurement minister

TIRANA, Sept 11 (TemA) — Albania says it will be the first country to appoint a non-physical artificial intelligence as a government minister, as Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a new cabinet that includes an AI named “Diella” as minister of public procurement.

Rama said Diella will not be physically present. A dedicated unit will support her and drive AI use across government. The aim: tenders that are “100% incorruptible” and spending that is “100% readable” to the public.

He said the outgoing cabinet moved tenders out of line ministries. In the new term, procurement will pass step by step to AI, with Diella acting as the state’s procurement service.

Officials said Diella previously served as the virtual assistant of the government’s e-Albania portal.

The support structure will be free to hire global talent, with no geographic or nationality limits, Rama added