By now, you’ve likely heard about Della, Albania’s AI-powered minister, appointed to combat corruption—a persistent issue in a country not always celebrated for its governance. The move is bold: Albania is betting on AI’s incorruptibility and data-driven decision-making to turn the tide. Indeed, if the government follows through on Della’s unbiased recommendations, we could witness a remarkable transformation.
Of course, the decision sparked backlash, especially from Albanian politicians. Their argument? We can’t trust AI because we can’t hold it accountable for mistakes, and its algorithms are opaque. But let’s be honest: politicians are hardly strangers to mistakes, broken promises, or self-serving decisions. In fact, governments around the world have operated this way for decades, which is precisely why this initiative is being considered. The difference here is that Della isn’t handed nuclear codes or unchecked power. Instead, it analyzes data, optimizes processes, and proposes solutions, all while minimizing human bias and error. Its role is advisory, not authoritarian.
I’ll admit I’m siding with AI on this one. Can you blame me? As one political commentator noted, trust in institutions is at an all-time low. While our parents and grandparents may have placed more faith in these systems, the reality is that shady dealings have likely always existed. We’re just more aware of them now, thanks to the internet, social media, and digital transparency. These tools have exposed discrepancies between rhetoric and action, fueling public skepticism, and demanding change.
Critics love to blame TikTok, but let’s not overlook the value of the “TikTok diploma,” as social media has empowered people to see the world more pragmatically, demand accountability, and even topple governments. Gen Z, armed with smartphones and hungry for justice, is driving for change. AI could further accelerate this momentum, steering us toward a future that is fairer, better, and more efficient.
The Fear of Competence
What Albanian politicians seem to fear most is competence. AI doesn’t play by the old rules: it doesn’t accept bribes, ignore public welfare, or prioritize personal gain. It simply identifies the best path forward based on data. For politicians accustomed to unchecked power and opaque decision-making, this is a direct threat.
Before AI, many leaders hid behind political agendas, blamed “the system,” and enriched themselves while their countries suffered. Now, AI is stepping in as a corrective force—one that could save us from our worst impulses. It challenges our hubris, pushes us toward our potential, and, most importantly, holds power accountable.
What If an AI Were President?
Someone recently asked ChatGPT what it would do if it were president. The response was a refreshingly pragmatic list of policies:
- Term limits for Congress to curb career politicians and regulatory capture.
- Single-issue bills to prevent unpopular policies from hiding in massive legislative packages.
- Public transparency dashboards for federal spending—every dollar traceable in plain language.
- Simplified tax code with fewer brackets and loopholes.
- Incentives for domestic production, not just tariffs—rewarding companies that manufacture and hire locally.
- Small business-first policies: easier credit access, fewer compliance traps, and faster approvals.
- Hard cap on deficit growth, unless formally overridden during national emergencies.
- Federal pressure for zoning reform (especially in major cities) to boost housing supply.
- Ban on institutional bulk-buying of single-family homes in starter markets.
- Energy independence through renewables, nuclear, and domestic drilling to stabilize costs.
- Price transparency mandates—hospitals must display real prices upfront.
- Interstate insurance competition to break monopolies.
- Preventive healthcare focus: metabolic health, nutrition education, and incentives for healthy outcomes.
- Life-skills education (taxes, contracts, finance, nutrition) in school curricula.
- Trade school parity with college—equal funding and respect.
- Student loan reform: caps tied to degree ROI and income, not blank checks.
- De-escalation over division—less culture war, more common ground.
This list is compelling because these ideas could genuinely improve governance and quality of life. Many have been proposed before, yet human politicians—bound by partisanship, lobbying, or short-term gains—have blocked them. An AI-driven approach might finally cut through the noise and deliver results.
AI Utopia vs. AI Apocalypse
Yes, dystopian films like Terminator and The Matrix often start with AI improving human life—until something goes catastrophically wrong. But we’re far from that reality. For now, AI’s potential to dramatically improve governance, efficiency, and fairness is undeniable.
Will AI eventually turn against us? The jury’s still out. But in the meantime, it can do what humans have failed to: make unbiased, data-driven decisions that benefit the many, not the few.
I’m rooting for Albania to show the world how far this experiment can go. Countries like the UK, US, and Germany are already using AI in limited capacities, citing benefits like cost savings, efficiency gains, and reduced bureaucratic waste. The hesitation is understandable, but the evidence is mounting: AI can work for us, not against us.
Plus, this innovation is impossible to stop. It’s here now, and sooner or later, it will become the norm. It’s better to gain a first-mover advantage—especially since countries are still in the research, testing, and implementation stages, so Albania can indeed get ahead in this race.
As for me, I’ll keep writing about personal happiness and how we can build a better, happier world for everyone. Thanks for reading—stay tuned for more.
