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Political opponents, intellectuals, land owners, Muslim and Christian clergy and farmers against collective farming were all seen as being against the regime and were killed in scores of bloody purges, sentenced to long prison sentences, or banished. The repression affected entire families, who were punished collectively. They were also banished or deported and forced into labour. Enver Hoxha’s repressive leadership style as well as the ever-present threat for Albanians from enemies, created an intimidated people filled with hate.

Albania’s political isolation lasted for over 40 years. It led not only to an extreme division of the country, but was a huge contributing factor to the impoverishment of the people. Ramiz Alia became the second and last Communist leader after Hoxha’s death in 1985. Despite making many economical reforms and making progress in international politics, he continued to lead according to Communist ideals. Protests, which began in late autumn 1990 and were mainly led by students, brought Ramiz Alia and his party into difficulties. In mid-December 1990, his party renounced its exclusive mandate. The formation of new political parties was permitted. The Social Democratic Party of Albania was formed in 1990 and was the direct successor of the Stalinist Communist party. The Democratic Party of Albania was formed in 1991. The Social Democrats won the first free elections in 1991. However, persistent unrest led to renewed elections barely a year later. Sali Berisha’s Democratic Party of Albania won this election with a two-thirds majority.