Unprecedented turmoil erupted in the Albanian parliament when Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced “Diella”, the world’s first AI robot appointed as a government minister. Albania finds itself at the center of international attention as this groundbreaking decision sparked intense political confrontations and violent clashes between parliamentarians.
During the critical session, Edi Rama attempted to explain Diella’s role in Albania’s new government structure. The AI robot addressed lawmakers via screen, describing its mission to oversee public contracts. However, the discussion that was expected to last hours was abruptly interrupted after just twenty minutes.
Albania’s Prime Minister announced that Diella would be supported by a new structure called AI4, an artificial intelligence accelerator aimed at reducing bureaucracy. This initiative positions Albania at the forefront of digital governance worldwide.
Read: Albania: The first AI minister – Diella will manage public contracts
Edi Rama’s statements and Diella’s response
Edi Rama expressed regret over the intense reactions caused by Diella’s appointment to the ministerial council. As he emphasized, the Albanian government’s goal is to create state-owned companies to promote artificial intelligence in public administration. Diella herself responded to opposition accusations in a touching manner: “It hurts me to be characterized as an unconstitutional minister because I’m not human. The real danger to the Constitution doesn’t come from machines but from humans. I don’t aim to replace anyone, but to offer assistance“.
Constitution thrown at Edi Rama and session suspension
Despite dialogue attempts, the situation in the Albanian parliament spiraled out of control. Opposition lawmakers began banging their desks while shouting “Don’t make a mockery of parliament”. Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi removed the floor from Klevis Balliu, who was questioning the legitimacy of Diella’s tenure. Tensions peaked when Edi Rama proceeded with an immediate vote, resulting in the program’s approval with 82 votes in favor. This move triggered even greater reactions from Albania’s opposition.
The climax of the incidents came when former ministers Gasment Bardhi and Fidrel Kreka threw copies of the Constitution and Parliament’s Rules of Procedure toward Edi Rama and the speaker. The session was permanently suspended with the intervention of guards who surrounded the area. Sali Berisha characterized the session’s closure as “unprecedented” and accused Edi Rama of extreme violence. According to him, Albania’s Prime Minister “locked it down within five minutes, at the most significant moment in parliament’s history”. Albania’s initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into governance remains unique worldwide, although its political implications continue to provoke intense confrontations.
