A new chapter in world governance just opened. Albania recently introduced the globe’s first AI minister. This digital official stepped up to present the government’s four-year plan to parliament. Prime Minister Edi Rama believes this AI minister will help fight corruption.
Diella, as she’s known, is a virtual being. Her name means “sun” in Albanian. She appeared on two large screens in the parliament hall. There, she delivered a three-minute speech. She explained her main job: to make the executive branch work smoother.
Diella told lawmakers she would be responsible and open. She promised to serve the people, just like any human minister. She pointed out that the constitution talks about institutions serving citizens. It does not mention chromosomes or flesh and blood. Instead, it speaks of duties to perform.
Prime Minister Rama sees a big role for Diella. He said Albania’s journey to join the European Union needs innovation and artificial intelligence. He called these two “important horses” for his vision of “Albania 2030.”
However, not everyone applauded this high-tech move. The opposition, led by the Democratic Party, strongly criticized it. Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha said Diella was just a trick. He suggested it was a way for Rama and his cabinet to hide the government’s real problems.
The parliamentary session was tense. Opposition members continuously thumped on their desks. Speaker Niko Peleshi had to stop the debate. He moved straight to a vote. The government’s plan passed with 82 votes in favor. The opposition chose to boycott the vote. No one voted against the plan, and no one abstained.
Diella was created earlier this year. Microsoft helped develop her. She works as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform. This platform offers many public services online. Diella has already helped over one million users. She assists them with digital documents and information requests.
Prime Minister Rama’s Socialist Party recently won the general election. This happened on May 11. They secured 83 out of 140 seats in parliament. This means they can form their fourth government in a row. They also have enough power to pass most laws on their own. However, they would need 93 seats, or two-thirds, to change the constitution.
Source: ABC