Primarul unei capitale europene e în închisoare, dar promite mese gratuite elevilor printr-un avatar generat cu inteligența artificială

The mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, continues to communicate with citizens via an AI-generated avatar while imprisoned for corruption charges. In a recent video, the avatar promises free school meals for all children, emphasizing his commitment despite his incarceration. Veliaj has been in prison since early 2025, and while he has delegated responsibilities to vice mayors, he remains the official mayor until the next municipal elections in 2027. Controversially, this is not the first instance of Albanian officials using AI, as Prime Minister Edi Rama previously introduced a virtual minister to combat corruption.