Albania Appoints World’s First AI Minister – A Digital Experiment in Governance

Artificial intelligence has been disrupting industries across the globe, replacing tasks once reserved for humans and transforming the way economies function. From manufacturing to media, the rise of AI has often been linked to job losses and automation. Now, however, the technology has entered an entirely new arena: politics.

In a move that has startled observers worldwide, Albania has announced the appointment of an “AI Minister.” Unlike ministries dedicated to digital transformation or technology—which many governments already have—this is not a human politician overseeing artificial intelligence policy. Instead, the appointee itself is an AI-driven avatar designed to serve as a cabinet minister.

Meet “Della” – Albania’s Digital Minister

The newly introduced figure is called Della, a name that translates to “sunshine” in Albanian. 

Presented in the form of a female avatar wearing traditional Albanian attire, Della is essentially a chatbot enhanced with advanced algorithms, designed to interact with citizens and government systems.

The AI minister, in its inaugural appearance, declared that it was not there to replace people but to assist them, adding that it did not have citizenship nor personal ambitions.

According to Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Della will primarily be tasked with overseeing public procurement. This means evaluating tenders, reducing bureaucratic delays, and ensuring that hiring and contracts are free from favoritism or corruption. Rama even suggested that the bot could help attract international talent by streamlining administrative processes.

While the move is largely symbolic—since Albanian law requires ministers to be citizens aged at least 18—the prime minister insisted that it reflects his government’s broader vision of embracing technology for transparency and accountability. “Albania is leading the region in applying artificial intelligence to governance,” Rama said, adding that AI would play an essential role in fighting corruption and accelerating socioeconomic progress.

A Symbol or the Future of Politics?

Critics point out that since an AI lacks legal personhood, Della cannot truly serve as a minister in the constitutional sense. The appointment, then, is more of a statement than a structural shift in government. But it highlights a growing trend where countries and even political parties are experimenting with artificial intelligence as a way to engage with citizens and streamline public service.

The symbolism is not lost on the public. For years, politicians have been accused of bias, nepotism, corruption, or inefficiency. AI, at least in theory, promises to sidestep many of these flaws. Machines do not take bribes, play favorites, or tire of repetitive tasks. To supporters, the Albanian experiment is a glimpse of a future where governance could be more impartial, efficient, and accessible.

Other Countries Testing AI in Politics

Albania is not alone in experimenting with digital governance. Around the world, there have been several attempts—some serious, others satirical—to introduce AI into political life.

Japan: A fringe political party called The Path to Rebirth has promoted the idea of appointing a chatbot penguin as its leader, arguing that AI could embody fairness and neutrality.

Ukraine: In 2023, Ukraine unveiled Victoria, a digital spokesperson for its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The AI-generated figure appears in videos, delivering official statements in multiple languages, projecting a tech-savvy image for the war-torn nation.

United States: In a curious experiment, a mayoral candidate placed his AI chatbot on the ballot, using ChatGPT to generate campaign statements. The experiment was cut short when OpenAI suspended access, and election officials reminded the public that AI cannot run for office.

These cases show a growing fascination with the role of artificial intelligence in public life, even if none have crossed the threshold into legally recognized political authority.

Why the Sudden Obsession with AI Leaders?

The attraction is clear. AI systems are available 24/7, never need vacations, and can respond instantly to citizens’ queries. They are immune to scandals, gaffes, and partisan grudges. Research even suggests AI tools can outperform humans in structured debates.

For proponents, this is the spirit of democracy taken to its logical conclusion: leaders who serve without personal bias, discrimination, or corruption. A digital minister, in this view, could act as a pure servant of the people—efficient, accountable, and transparent.

But What About the Risks?

Of course, the idea of AI leaders raises troubling questions. Who programs these systems, and whose values do they reflect? Can algorithms truly understand the complexities of human needs, culture, and ethics? What happens if the AI conflicts with human decision-makers or is manipulated by those controlling its data inputs?

The potential for misuse is real. Around the world, deepfake videos and AI-generated phone calls have already impersonated world leaders, spreading disinformation. If AI figures are given authority in government, the danger of manipulation grows. Furthermore, machines cannot be held accountable in the same way human officials can. If an AI minister makes a damaging decision, who takes responsibility?

Critics argue that instead of empowering citizens, AI politicians could actually weaken democracy by distancing decision-making from human oversight.

Is the World Ready for AI Politicians?

For now, the consensus is clear: the world is not ready for AI to fully govern. But Albania’s appointment of Della shows that political leaders are willing to experiment, both as a statement of technological progress and as a way to explore new models of governance.

Artificial intelligence has already transformed industries and labor markets. Now it is beginning to nibble at the edges of political life. Whether this experiment remains a gimmick or becomes a genuine turning point will depend on how governments manage the risks and ethical dilemmas that come with digital leaders.

What is certain is that the conversation has begun. Whether we like it or not, AI is pushing into every corner of society—and politics, once thought untouchable, may not be immune.