At the Berlin Global Dialogue, Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama made headlines not just for what he said, but how he said it. Taking the stage before a global audience, Rama introduced Diella, Albania’s first AI Minister, describing her as “pregnant” with 83 children.
The remark drew laughter, then curiosity. Rama clarified that these were not human offspring but 83 digital assistants, each programmed to help Members of Parliament analyse debates, summarise discussions, and identify key issues. His metaphor underscored a larger message: Albania aims to lead a new wave of digital governance powered by algorithms and transparency.
Diella’s design carries symbolic weight. Visualised as a poised woman in traditional Albanian dress, she represents both cultural continuity and technological ambition. While not human, she embodies qualities central to governance, channelizing creativity, progress, and accountability.
Rama’s talk of “pregnancy” was a poetic reference to the nation’s digital transformation. The AI “offspring” are being developed to improve legislative efficiency and track government decisions, expenses, and commitments with greater accuracy. By 2026, Rama envisions a governance system that integrates artificial intelligence into core oversight functions, promoting fairer procurement processes and clearer public spending.
The initiative has sparked both intrigue and concern. Supporters see it as a bold experiment in modernising governance, as critics warn it could blur the lines of responsibility in case anything goes wrong with the algorithm.
Still, Rama’s announcement has opened a fresh conversation about technology’s role in democracy. Whether Diella emerges as a groundbreaking model or a cautionary tale, she already stands as a symbol of Albania’s ambition to reimagine politics in the age of AI.
