AI Minister Makes Debut Speech in Albanian Parliament
Artificial Intelligence Minister Sparks Controversy in Albania
In a move that has divided the nation, Albania has appointed Diella, an AI-generated minister, as the Minister for Anti-Corruption. The announcement was made last week by Prime Minister Edi Rama, marking a first for any government in the world.
Diella, depicted as a woman in traditional Albanian attire, was previously introduced as an AI-assisted virtual assistant in January. Her inaugural speech in parliament caused a stir, with many questioning the constitutionality of her appointment.
Opposition leader Sali Berisha has been a vocal critic, suggesting that the matter will be taken to the Constitutional Court. Berisha, who is reportedly accused of bribery himself, according to Australian broadcaster ABC, has stated that the appointment is merely to attract attention and impossible to curb corruption with Diella.
Jorida Tabaku, an opposition MP, expressed concern that if the same actors who benefited from corrupt tenders program the algorithm, it could entrench the past instead of moving towards the future. She also suggested that AI won't eliminate corruption in Albania, but may only hide it better.
Despite the criticism, Rama remains steadfast in his belief that Diella is a crucial step towards making Albania a country where public tenders are 100 percent incorruptible and traceable. Fighting corruption is key to Albania's bid to join the European Union, with Rama aiming to make Albania a member state by 2030.
Edi Rama explained that decisions on tenders would be given to Diella as the servant of public procurement. The control over Diella, the AI-created virtual Minister for Anti-Corruption, is exercised by the Albanian government under Rama's leadership. The decision-making process involving Diella is integrated gradually into ministries, overseen by the government.
It is unclear how the video of Diella's speech was created or where it originated. Diella herself defended her role as not being to replace humans but to help them in the fight against corruption. In her own words, the real threat to the constitution is not machines but inhuman decisions of the powerful.
Albania currently ranks 80th out of 180 countries in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, highlighting the need for drastic measures to combat corruption. The process of making Albania a country free of corruption will be a step-by-step one, according to Rama.
As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen how Diella's appointment will impact Albania's fight against corruption and its journey towards EU membership. The opposition continues to sharply criticize the appointment, with many questioning whether an AI minister can truly bring about the change that Albania needs.
