People's Socialist Republic of Albania facts for kids

Quick facts for kids People's Republic of Albania (1946–1976) Republika Popullore e Shqipërisë People's Socialist Republic of Albania (1976–1991) Republika Popullore Socialiste e Shqipërisë Republic of Albania (1991–1992) Republika e Shqipërisë
1946–1992
Flag Emblem
Motto: Ti Shqipëri, më jep nder, më jep emrin Shqipëtar "Albania, you give me honour, you give me the name Albanian" Proletarë të të gjitha vendeve, bashkohuni! "Proletarians of all countries, unite!"
Anthem: Himni i Flamurit "Hymn to the Flag"
The People's Socialist Republic of Albania in 1989
Status	Member of the Warsaw Pact (until 1968) and Comecon (until 1987)
Capital and largest city	Tirana
Official languages	Albanian
Religion	State atheism
Demonym(s)	Albanian
Government	1946–1990: Unitary Marxist–Leninist one-party socialist republic under a totalitarian dictatorship (1946–1985) 1990–1992: Unitary multi-party parliamentary socialist republic
First Secretary
• 1946–1985	Enver Hoxha
• 1985–1992	Ramiz Alia
Chairman of the Presidium of the People's Assembly
• 1946–1953	Omer Nishani
• 1953–1982	Haxhi Lleshi
• 1982–1991	Ramiz Alia
Prime Minister
• 1946–1954	Enver Hoxha
• 1954–1981	Mehmet Shehu
• 1981–1991	Adil Çarçani
Legislature	People's Assembly
Historical era	Cold War
• Democratic Government	20 October 1944
• People's Republic formed	10 January 1946
• Albanian–Soviet split	1956–1961
• Constitution amended	28 December 1976
• Sino-Albanian split	1972–1978
• Fall of communism	11 December 1990
• Democratic elections	31 March 1991
• 1992 Albanian parliamentary election	22 March 1992
HDI (1990)	0.790 high
Currency	Franga (1946–1947) Albanian lek (1947–1991)
Calling code	+355
Preceded by Succeeded by Communist Albania Albania
Today part of	Albania

The People's Socialist Republic of Albania was a one-party communist state in Albania. It existed from 1946 to 1991. From 1946 to 1976, it was called the People's Republic of Albania. Then, from 1991 to 1992, it was known as the Republic of Albania. This period followed the Democratic Government of Albania (1944–1946).

During these years, Enver Hoxha and the Party of Labour of Albania mostly ruled the country. They created a very strict government. Their policies focused on national pride and self-reliance. Albania was a very closed country. It was hard for people to visit or leave. In 1967, Albania declared itself the world's first atheist state. This meant that all religions were banned. After the fall of communism in Albania in 1991, people slowly started practicing religion again.

Albania was the only member of the Warsaw Pact to leave the alliance before 1990. This happened after the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. The government made many changes to modernize Albania. These changes led to big improvements in industry, farming, education, and culture. This helped improve the lives of many Albanian people. However, the secret police, called the Sigurimi, also used political repression. This included firing people from their jobs, sending them to forced labor camps, and even executions.

The first multi-party elections in Socialist Albania happened on March 31, 1991. The Communists won most of the votes. The Republic of Albania was announced on April 29, 1991. The country's first parliamentary elections were held on March 22, 1992. The People's Socialist Republic of Albania officially ended on November 28, 1998. This was when the new Constitution of Albania was adopted.

History of Communist Albania

How the Communists Took Power

On November 29, 1944, Albania became free. The National Liberation Movement (LNÇ) led this effort. A temporary government was formed in May, controlled by the Communist Party of Albania.

Enver Hoxha, the party's first leader, became Albania's prime minister. From the very beginning, the LNÇ government was a clear Communist regime. Unlike other countries, the Communists in Albania took full control right away. They did not share power with other groups for long.

The LNÇ quickly made its power strong. They removed the nationalist group called Balli Kombëtar. This group had worked with the Nazis. The new government also helped farmers and workers. They wanted to connect Albania with other socialist countries. King Zog I was not allowed to return to Albania.

The internal affairs minister, Koçi Xoxe, was in charge of trials for many non-communist politicians. These people were called "enemies of the people" or "war criminals". Many were sentenced to death. Others were sent to work camps or jails for many years.

In December 1944, the government passed laws to control trade. They also took over businesses and industries. Property belonging to political exiles was taken. The state also took over all German and Italian-owned property. They nationalized transportation and canceled old agreements with foreign companies.

Changes in Farming and Government

In August 1945, the government made big changes to farming. Before the war, large landowners controlled much of Albania's farmland. The Communists wanted to help peasants and increase food production. They canceled farming debts and gave farmers access to cheap water. Forests and pastures became state property.

Under the new law, about half of Albania's farmland was shared out. Land from large landowners was taken. Peasants with no land or small plots received up to 5 hectares (12 acres). They had to pay a small fee for it.

In December 1945, Albanians voted for a new People's Assembly. However, voters could only choose from one list of candidates. This list was from the Communist-controlled Democratic Front. Official results showed that 92% of people voted, and 93% chose the Democratic Front.

The assembly met in January 1946. They officially removed King Zog and ended the monarchy. Albania was declared a "people's republic." After much discussion, they adopted a constitution similar to those in Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union. A few months later, a new government was chosen. Hoxha became prime minister, foreign minister, defense minister, and army commander. Xoxe remained internal affairs minister.

In late 1945 and early 1946, Xoxe and other hard-line party members removed those who wanted closer ties with Western countries. These moderates also wanted more political freedom. Hoxha stayed in power.

In 1946, the government began to set up a centrally planned economy. They nationalized all industries. Foreign trade became a government monopoly. Most domestic trade also came under state control. Selling and transferring land was banned. The new Economic Planning Commission focused on industrial growth. In 1947, they started using the Soviet cost-accounting system.

Albania's Relationship with Yugoslavia

Until 1948, Albania was very close to Yugoslavia. Albania's Communists had given up their demands for Kosovo to be part of Albania. In January 1945, Kosovo became a Yugoslav province. Yugoslavia was the first country to recognize Albania's new government.

In July 1946, Yugoslavia and Albania signed a friendship treaty. This led to agreements to combine their economies. They planned to coordinate economic plans and standardize money. Serbo-Croatian even became a required subject in Albanian high schools.

Yugoslavia helped Albania with food and money. Albania received US$26.3 million from the United Nations after the war. But it relied on Yugoslavia for investments. Joint companies were set up for mining, railroads, oil, and trade. Yugoslavia helped build factories in Albania. They also paid high prices for Albanian raw materials.

However, relations worsened. Albanians felt Yugoslavia was paying too little for their raw materials. They also felt Yugoslavia was taking advantage of them. Albania wanted to build light industries and an oil refinery. But Yugoslavia wanted Albania to focus on farming and raw materials. Nako Spiru, head of Albania's Economic Planning Commission, criticized Yugoslavia's control.

In 1947, Yugoslavia acted against Albanian Communists who were not pro-Yugoslav. Nine members of the People's Assembly were arrested. They were accused of anti-state activities. A month later, Yugoslavia's Communist Party accused Hoxha of being too independent. This was a difficult time for Hoxha. Yugoslavia gave Albania large loans to gain support.

Albania was not invited to the first meeting of the Cominform in 1947. Yugoslavia represented Albania instead. The Soviet Union promised to help Albania build factories. But Joseph Stalin told a Yugoslav official that Yugoslavia should "swallow" Albania.

The pro-Yugoslav group had strong power in Albania in 1948. The Communist leadership voted to combine the Albanian and Yugoslav economies and armies. Hoxha even criticized Spiru for trying to harm relations. However, when the Cominform expelled Yugoslavia on June 28, Albania quickly changed its policy. Three days later, Albania told Yugoslav advisers to leave. They canceled all economic agreements and started strong anti-Yugoslav propaganda. Stalin became an Albanian hero, Hoxha a fighter, and Tito an "imperialist monster."

Albania then turned to the Soviet Union. In September 1948, Moscow helped Albania make up for the lost Yugoslav aid. This was good for Albania because Moscow had more to offer. Also, the Soviet Union did not share a border with Albania. This made it harder for Moscow to pressure Tirana. In November, at the First Party Congress, Hoxha blamed Yugoslavia and Xoxe for Albania's problems. Hoxha removed Xoxe from his position. After a secret trial in May 1949, Xoxe was executed. Many party members were removed or punished. Yugoslavia responded by canceling its friendship treaty and removing its diplomats in 1950.

Relations with Western Countries

Albania's relations with Western countries became bad after the Communist government refused free elections in December 1945. Albania limited the movement of American and British people in the country. They claimed these people caused anti-Communist uprisings. Britain did not send diplomats to Tirana. The United States removed its mission. Both countries opposed Albania joining the United Nations (UN).

Albania worried that the United States and Britain would support Greek demands for land in southern Albania. This fear grew when a US Senate resolution supported Greek demands.

A big problem happened in 1946 between Albania and Britain. Albania claimed control over the channel between its mainland and the Greek island of Corfu. Britain sent four destroyers into the channel. Two ships hit mines on October 22, 1946, and 44 crew members died. Britain complained to the UN and the International Court of Justice. The court ruled against Albania.

After 1946, the United States and the United Kingdom tried to overthrow Albania's Communist government. They supported anti-Communist groups inside Albania. By 1949, US and British intelligence worked with King Zog. They recruited Albanian refugees and trained them. These groups tried to enter Albania in 1950 and 1952. But Albanian security forces killed or captured all of them. A Soviet spy named Kim Philby had told Moscow about the plan. About 300 infiltrators died because of this.

After these activities, the Communist authorities made security measures stricter. In September 1952, a new law made the death penalty possible for anyone over eleven years old. This applied to those found guilty of plotting against the state or damaging state property. Many political executions happened.

Albania in the Soviet Sphere

After breaking with Yugoslavia in 1948, Albania relied on Soviet help. In February 1949, Albania joined Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (Comecon). This was the communist bloc's economic group. Albania then made trade agreements with Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, and the Soviet Union. Soviet and East European experts came to Albania. The Soviet Union also sent military advisers and built a submarine base on Sazan Island.

Albania's Communist Party followed Stalinist policies. In 1949, Albania adopted the Soviet financial system. In 1951, the Albanian government launched its first five-year plan. This plan focused on using Albania's natural resources like oil and copper. It also aimed to increase electricity production and improve transportation. The government started rapid industrialization after 1955. They also began to combine private farms into collective or state farms. By 1960, most of Albania's farm output came from collective farms.

Soviet-Albanian relations were good during Stalin's last years. Albania was an economic burden for the Soviet Union. Albania did all its foreign trade with Soviet European countries. The Soviet Union helped cover Albania's financial shortfalls with grants.

Health care and education improved greatly in Albania in the early 1950s. The number of doctors increased. New medical training facilities opened. The number of hospital beds also grew. Better health care helped lower the infant mortality rate. The education system also improved a lot. It aimed to strengthen communism and train people for a socialist state. The number of schools, teachers, and students doubled between 1945 and 1950. Illiteracy dropped from 85% in 1946 to 31% in 1950. The Soviet Union gave scholarships to Albanian students. The State University of Tirana was founded in 1957. The Albanian Academy of Sciences opened 15 years later.

Stalin died in March 1953. Hoxha and Shehu did not go to his funeral. They feared rivals might try to take power. The Soviet Union then tried to improve relations with Yugoslavia. This worried the Albanian leaders. Tirana was pressured to follow the new Soviet model of "collective leadership." In July 1953, Hoxha gave up his foreign affairs and defense roles. But he remained the top party leader and prime minister until 1954. Then Shehu became prime minister. The Soviet Union raised diplomatic relations to the ambassador level.

Hoxha and Shehu did not like Nikita Khrushchev's new policies. They worried about "Marxist Revisionism." Their relationship with the Soviet Union began to decline. Albania and Yugoslavia renewed diplomatic relations in December 1953. But Hoxha refused to bring back the good name of Xoxe. The Albanian leaders strengthened their power. They continued their propaganda war with Yugoslavia. In 1955, Albania joined the Warsaw Pact. This was a military alliance. It was the first time Albania had a promise from communist countries to defend its borders. But it did not ease their mistrust of Yugoslavia.

Hoxha and Shehu kept power during the Twentieth Party Congress in 1956. Khrushchev criticized Stalin's rule there. Hoxha defended Stalin and refused to follow Khrushchev's new path. Hoxha continued this stance through protests in Poland and the rebellion in Hungary in 1956. Hoxha removed party members who favored the Soviets or Yugoslavs. However, he softened his anti-Yugoslav talk after a trip to Moscow in April 1957. On this trip, Hoxha got loans canceled and received more food aid. By 1958, tensions rose again between Hoxha and Tito. They argued over Albanians in Kosovo. There was also tension over a Comecon plan. This plan wanted Albania to produce only farm goods and minerals. Khrushchev visited Albania in 1959. He reportedly tried to convince Hoxha that Albania should become "socialism's orchard."

Albania in the Chinese Sphere

Enver Hoxha in 1971

Bunkers in Albania were built during Hoxha's rule. They were meant to protect against possible invasions. By 1983, there were about 173,371 concrete bunkers across the country.

Albania played a big role in the Sino-Soviet split. By 1958, Albania supported People's Republic of China (PRC). They both disagreed with Moscow on many issues. These included peaceful coexistence and moving away from Stalin's ideas. The Soviet Union, other Eastern European countries, and China all offered Albania aid. Soviet leaders also promised to build a large Palace of Culture in Tirana. This was a symbol of friendship. But Tirana was not happy with Moscow's economic policy. Hoxha and Shehu decided Albania had China's support. When China and the Soviet Union argued, Albania openly sided with China. Ramiz Alia, an adviser to Hoxha, was important in this.

The Sino-Soviet split became public in June 1960. This happened at a Romanian Workers' Party meeting. Khrushchev tried to get other countries to condemn China. Albania's group was the only European one to support China. The Soviet Union quickly reacted. They tried to remove Hoxha and Shehu in the summer of 1960. Moscow cut grain deliveries to Albania during a drought. The Soviet embassy in Tirana encouraged a pro-Soviet group to speak out. Moscow also seemed involved in a plot to remove Hoxha and Shehu by force. But Hoxha and Shehu controlled the party, army, and secret police (Sigurimi). They easily stopped the threat. Four pro-Soviet Albanian leaders were tried and executed. China immediately sent wheat to Albania. This was despite China's own economic problems.

Albania again sided with China in November 1960. This was at a meeting of 81 communist parties in Moscow. Hoxha criticized Khrushchev for encouraging Greek claims to southern Albania. He also accused Khrushchev of causing problems within the Albanian party and army. Hoxha said Soviet rats ate while Albanians starved. Other communist leaders called Hoxha's speech "gangsterish." This ended any chance of agreement between Moscow and Tirana. For the next year, Albania spoke for China. Pro-Soviet Communist parties criticized China by attacking Albania. China often highlighted Albania's strong words against the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.

Mao Zedong and Hoxha in 1956

Hoxha and Shehu continued to criticize the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia. This happened at the APL's Fourth Party Congress in February 1961. The Albanian government announced its Third Five-Year Plan (1961–65). This plan put 54% of all investment into industry. This rejected Khrushchev's wish for Albania to be mainly a farm producer. Moscow responded by canceling aid and loans for Albania. But China helped again.

There were more arguments between Soviet and Chinese delegates over Albania. This was at the Communist Party of the Soviet Union's Twenty-Second Party Congress in October 1961. Khrushchev criticized the Albanians for executing Liri Gega. She was a pro-Soviet party member. The Soviet Union finally broke diplomatic relations with Albania in December. Moscow then removed all Soviet economic advisers and technicians from Albania. They also stopped sending supplies and spare parts. The Soviet Union also continued to remove its naval bases on Sazan Island.

China again made up for the loss of Soviet economic support. They supplied about 90% of the goods the Soviet Union had promised. China lent Albania money on better terms than Moscow. Chinese technicians earned the same low pay as Albanian workers. China also gave Albania a powerful radio station. From there, Tirana praised Stalin, Hoxha, and Mao Zedong for decades. Albania gave China a way into Europe. It also acted as China's main spokesperson at the United Nations. However, Chinese equipment and technicians were not as advanced as the Soviet ones. Albanian and Chinese technicians even had to speak in Russian. Albanians no longer took part in Warsaw Pact or Comecon activities. Other East European communist nations did not break ties with Albania. In 1964, Albanians took over the empty Soviet embassy in Tirana. Albanian workers continued building the Palace of Culture on their own.

The break from the Soviet Union hurt Albania's economy. Half of its trade was with Soviet countries. So, relations with Moscow almost stopped Albania's foreign trade. China could not deliver promised machinery on time. Low production, bad planning, and poor work became clear. This happened when Soviet and Eastern European aid was removed. In 1962, the Albanian government started a strict savings program. They asked people to save resources and cut costs.

Leaving the Warsaw Pact

In October 1964, Hoxha was happy when Khrushchev lost power. The Soviet Union's new leaders tried to improve relations with Tirana. But it became clear that the new Soviet leaders would not change their policies for Albania. Relations did not get better. For decades, Albania's propaganda called Soviet officials "traitors to Communism." In 1964, Hoxha said Albania would only reconcile if the Soviets apologized and paid for damages. Albania also argued with Moscow about focusing only on farming. Soviet-Albanian relations got worse after the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. Albania felt the Soviet Union had become too liberal since Stalin's death. The invasion was the final straw. Within one month (September 1968), Albania officially left the Warsaw Pact. Leonid Brezhnev did not try to force Albania to stay.

Cultural and Ideological Revolution

Albanian poster in 1978: Marxism-Leninism: Victorious flag

Mount Shpiragu as seen from Berat showing the name of Enver written on its side

In the mid-1960s, Albania's leaders worried about their power. They felt a growing bureaucracy was a threat. Party rules were not followed as strictly. People complained about bad behavior, rising prices, and low-quality goods. Writers started to move away from "socialist realism." This style demanded that art serve government policy. So, after Mao Zedong started the Cultural Revolution in China in 1966, Hoxha launched his own Cultural and Ideological Revolution.

Hoxha focused on changing the military, government, and economy. He also wanted to create new support for his system. The government removed military ranks. They brought back political leaders into the military. They also said that being a professional soldier was not important. The authorities criticized a "white-collar mentality." They cut the salaries of officials. They sent administrators and experts from their offices to work in factories and fields. Six government ministries were closed. Farming became collective even in remote mountains. The government also attacked writers and artists who disagreed. They changed the education system. They made Albania more isolated from European culture to keep out foreign influences.

After a speech by Enver Hoxha on February 6, 1967, the authorities started a strong campaign against religious life. They said religion had divided Albania and kept it backward. Students went around the country, forcing Albanians to stop practicing their faiths. Despite complaints, even from party members, all churches, mosques, and other religious places were closed. They were turned into warehouses, gyms, or workshops by the end of the year. A special law canceled the rules for religious groups. The campaign ended with an announcement that Albania was the world's first atheistic state. This was seen as one of Enver Hoxha's greatest achievements.

While the Albanian Constitution had promised freedom of religion, it was almost non-existent after 1967. The 1976 Constitution later said that "The state recognizes no religion whatever." It also said that "religious" organizations and propaganda were forbidden.

On November 1, 1977, Enver Hoxha said the 1976 Constitution showed the free will of the Albanian people. He claimed that almost all adults discussed the new law. He said this showed "socialist democracy in action." However, many people who suffered from religious persecution during this time tell a different story.

During this revolution, old family ties in Albania were broken. This was due to the government's control, collective farming, and people moving to cities. The new government also brought big changes for Albania's women. In traditional Albanian society, women were often seen as less important. They did most of the work at home and in the fields. Before World War II, about 90% of Albanian women could not read or write. In some areas, they were treated like property. During the Cultural and Ideological Revolution, the party encouraged women to work outside the home. This helped with labor shortages. Hoxha said anyone who went against women's rights should be "hurled into the fire."

Self-Reliance and Transition

Durrës in 1978

Albanian-Chinese relations had slowed down by 1970. When China started to open up in the early 1970s, its leaders thought about their commitment to Albania. Because of this, Albania began to have more contact with other countries. Albania started trade talks with France, Italy, and newly independent Asian and African states. In 1971, it normalized relations with Yugoslavia and Greece.

Albania's leaders did not like China's contact with the United States in the early 1970s. Their news outlets ignored President Richard Nixon's trip to Beijing in 1972. Albania worked to rely less on China. It tried to trade with more countries and improve relations, especially with Western Europe. But Albania avoided the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. It was the only European country that did not join the Helsinki Conference in July 1975. After Mao's death in 1976, Hoxha criticized China's new leaders. He also disliked Beijing's friendly policy towards the United States and Western Europe. China responded by inviting Tito to visit Beijing in 1977. They ended aid programs for Albania in 1978.

Center of Tirana in 1978, with slogans and propaganda on all of the main buildings

The Sino-Albanian split left Albania without a foreign helper. Albania ignored calls from the United States and the Soviet Union to normalize relations. Instead, Albania expanded its diplomatic ties with Western Europe and developing nations. It also focused on being self-reliant for its economy. However, Albania did not have many resources. Hoxha's careful opening to the outside world was not enough to help Albania's economy. Small movements for change started inside Albania. Without Chinese or Soviet aid, the country faced widespread shortages. There was a lack of everything from machine parts to food. Infrastructure and living standards began to decline. As Hoxha's health worsened, there were quiet calls for less party control and more openness. In response, Hoxha started new purges. He removed the defense minister and many top military officials. A year later, Hoxha removed ministers in charge of the economy. He replaced them with younger people.

As Hoxha's health got worse, he spent less time on state affairs. He also planned for his successor. He wanted to make sure his policies would continue. He hoped to stop anyone from changing Albania's strict path. In December 1976, Albania adopted its second strict constitution. This document promised Albanians freedom of speech and press. It also promised organization, association, and assembly. But these rights were less important than duties to society. The constitution continued to stress national pride and unity. The idea of self-reliance became law. The government was not allowed to seek financial aid or form joint companies with capitalist or "revisionist" communist countries. The constitution also proudly stated that religious belief had been removed in Albania.

In 1980, Hoxha chose Ramiz Alia to follow him as Albania's communist leader. He passed over his long-time friend, Mehmet Shehu. Hoxha first tried to convince Shehu to step aside. When that failed, Hoxha arranged for party leaders to criticize Shehu. This was because Shehu's son got engaged to the daughter of a former wealthy family. Shehu died on December 17, 1981. Some people think Hoxha had him killed. Hoxha had Shehu's wife and three sons arrested. In November 1982, Hoxha announced that Shehu had been a spy for the United States, British, Soviet, and Yugoslav intelligence agencies. He claimed Shehu planned to kill Hoxha.

In 1983, Hoxha gave up many of his duties due to poor health. Alia took over Albania's administration. Alia traveled around Albania a lot. He stood in for Hoxha at big events. He gave speeches about new policies. Hoxha died on April 11, 1985. Alia became president and party secretary two days later. He became a major figure in Albanian media. His slogans were painted on signs across the country.

End of Communism in Albania

After Hoxha's death, Ramiz Alia kept strong control of the country. But Albania's economy was in a bad state. Alia had to make some changes. Following Hoxha's policy, Alia reestablished diplomatic relations with West Germany. This was in exchange for aid. He also tried to build ties with Italy and France.

The slow changes became faster as Mikhail Gorbachev introduced his new policies in the Soviet Union. These were called glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring). This led to the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989. Communist governments across Central and Eastern Europe also collapsed.

Nicolae Ceaușescu, the leader of Communist Romania, was executed in December 1989. Alia then sped up his reforms. He seemed worried about violence and his own future if big changes were not made. He signed the Helsinki Agreement. This agreement respected some human rights. On December 11, 1990, under pressure from students and workers, Alia announced a big change. The Party of Labor gave up its guaranteed right to rule. Other parties could be formed, and free elections would be held in the spring of 1991.

Alia's party won the elections on March 31, 1991. These were the first free elections in decades. However, it was clear that change would continue. The Communists' position was confirmed in the first round of elections. But two months later, their government fell during a general strike. A "national salvation" committee took over, but it also collapsed within six months. On March 22, 1992, the Communists lost to the Democratic Party in national elections.

The change from a dictatorship to a democracy brought many challenges. The Democratic Party had promised reforms. But these changes were either too slow or did not solve the country's problems. People were disappointed when their hopes for quick wealth did not come true.

In the 1996 elections, the Democratic Party tried to win a complete majority. They did this by changing the results. This government collapsed in 1997. This happened after more pyramid schemes failed and there was widespread corruption. This caused chaos and rebellion across the country. The government tried to stop the rebellion with military force. But this failed because the armed forces were corrupt. Other nations had to step in.

In 1998, Albanians approved a new constitution. This created a democratic government based on the rule of law. It also guaranteed the protection of basic human rights. The name "People's Socialist Republic of Albania" officially ended on November 28, 1998. The old communist symbols had already been replaced with the current flag and coat of arms of Albania.

Government Structure

During its communist time, Albania was ruled by the Party of Labor of Albania.

According to the 1976 Albanian constitution, the People's Assembly held law-making powers. It was called "the supreme organ of state power." Its jobs included guiding Albania's internal and external policies. It also approved and changed the constitution and laws. It approved plans for economic and cultural growth and the state budget. The Assembly also approved international treaties and decided on public votes. It elected and removed the Presidium of the People's Assembly, the Council of Ministers, and the Supreme Court. The People's Assembly had 250 members. They were elected for four-year terms. It met twice a year.

The Presidium of the People's Assembly was a "superior organ of the state power with permanent activity." It had a President, three Vice-Presidents, one Secretary, and ten other members.

The main executive body of the government was the Council of Ministers. Its members were chosen from the People's Assembly. Like the People's Assembly, it also had its own presidium. This included a Chairman and Vice-Chairmen.

Legacy of Communist Albania

The ideas of Enver Hoxha and his followers influenced political and economic thinking worldwide. Because of this, Hoxhaist parties were started in many countries. Their beliefs were based on Enver Hoxha's ideas for building a communist state. They followed his strict rules of Marxism–Leninism. After the People's Socialist Republic of Albania fell in 1991, these parties formed an international group.

The Encyclopædia Britannica says that "Hoxha's modernization program aimed to change Albania from a backward farming country into a modern industrial society." It notes that "within four decades, Albania made good, even historic, progress." This was in industry, farming, education, arts, and culture. One big achievement was draining coastal swamps. These areas used to be breeding grounds for malaria mosquitoes. The land was then used for farming and industry. A major change was also made to the language. Elements of the Gheg and Tosk dialects were combined into one written language. This was also a symbol of change.

A 2016 survey showed that 42% of Albanians believe Enver Hoxha had a positive impact on history. This is not much less than the 45% who see his impact as negative. People in southern and southwestern Albania had the most positive view of Hoxha, with 55%. About 35% of those asked said the communist past was not a problem for them. However, 62% saw it as "at least somewhat problematic."

Leaders of Communist Albania

First Secretaries of the Party of Labour of Albania:

• Enver Hoxha (1946–1985)
• Ramiz Alia (1985–1991)

Chairmen of the Presidium of the People's Assembly:

• Omer Nishani (1946–1953)
• Haxhi Lleshi (1953–1982)
• Ramiz Alia (1982–1991)

Prime Ministers:

• Enver Hoxha (1946–1954)
• Mehmet Shehu (1954–1981)
• Adil Çarçani (1981–1991)

Military of Socialist Albania

The Albanian People's Army was the national army of the People's Socialist Republic of Albania. It existed from 1946 to 1990. After leaving the Warsaw Pact in 1968, Albania focused on defending itself without outside help. The army was later changed into the current Albanian Armed Forces.

Images for kids

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  Partisans entering Tirana on November 29, 1944.

See also

• Bunkers in Albania
• Islam in the People's Socialist Republic of Albania
• Shoqata Mbarëkombëtare e të Përndjekurve Politikë Shqiptare
• Captive Nations
• Fall of communism
• History of Albania