Albania Constitutional Court rejects challenge to AI minister appointment

The Constitutional Court of Albania has rejected a request from 39 members of the Democratic Party to annul presidential decrees regarding the appointment of Diella, a virtual minister powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

In its ruling, the court stated there were ‘no grounds’ for the request. The judges noted they were not competent to review the appointment based on the specific grounds provided by the opposition. The court clarified that Diella ‘does not represent a specific constitutional official whose appointment the Constitutional Court could review.’

The ruling emphasized that while the decree may have legal effects regarding the Prime Minister, it does not establish independent new powers or state structures. Furthermore, the court highlighted that the use of AI cannot alter the constitutional and legal order concerning the exercise of public powers, responsibility, or accountability. The court maintained that a technological tool cannot create, expand, transfer, or replace such constitutional authorities.