Albania Introduces AI ’Minister’ Diella to Combat Corruption in Public Procurement
Albania has launched Diella, an artificial intelligence system designed to oversee public procurement as part of anti-corruption reforms pressured by the European Union. Prime Minister Edi Rama positions the AI as a transformative tool to accelerate tenders, enhance efficiency, and eliminate graft in one of the country's most problematic sectors.
While supporters view Diella as a milestone in Albania's EU integration efforts, critics argue the move is symbolic and unconstitutional. The AI, initially deployed as a VIRTUAL assistant on Albania's e-government platform, now takes on expanded responsibilities amid mixed global evidence of AI's effectiveness in combating corruption.