"A Coming of Age: Abania under Enver Hoxha" – Chapter 12: Conclusion

From "A Coming of Age: Abania under Enver Hoxha" by James S. O'Donnell, Chapter 12: Conclusion

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     Ramiz Alia gave an excellent summary of the accomplishments Enver Hoxha to the Ninth Congress of the Albanian Party of Labor November 3, 1986 (the first Party Congress in which Enver Hoxha was not present). Alia told the delegates that:

     "Comrade Enver we have among us no longer, but we have his immortal work, we have his wise teachings and instructions, we have his rich theoretical heritage, which inspire us at every moment and guide us in every step.

...The name of Albania and the name of Enver Hoxha are inseparable. The whole of its recent history bears the brand of his outstanding personality, of his theoretical thinking and his political activity. When our people say that they are loyal followers of Enver they express the great fact that their character and features, their way of thinking and acting, their ideal and aims, have been formed in the school of his revolutionary struggle. The figure of Enver Hoxha is the figure which symbolizes and embodies the ardent love of country and dedicated revolutionary militancy, the popular wisdom and brilliant mind of the cultivated man, the modest son of the people and the outstanding statesman.

     The struggle and teachings of Enver Hoxha remain the foundation-stone of the general line of the Party, they represent the cardinal points of orientation and reference for its daily activity. Loyalty toward these teaching and their consistent implementation are the assurance of the present and the guarantee of the future, are decisive conditions for the triumph of the cause of socialism and communism in Albania [bold type in original]. 

...Comrade Enver Hoxha wanted and made Albania completely free and independent, completely sovereign. All his theoretical thinking, all his activity, all the struggle against Anglo-American, Yugoslav, Soviet and other interference, express that great concept that the full independence of a country is achieved when it has no obligations of any kind to foreign powers, which condition its internal and external policy, when its political independence is accompanied with an independent economy and defence, when the people are the sovereign owners of their national wealth and determine their own fate. It was Enver Hoxha who formulated and applied the Party's policy of self-reliance. Only such a policy could have fully ensured the freedom and national sovereignty of Albania, its independent political, economic and cultural development, and could have defended it against foreign pressures and dictates.

...Our people dreamed of seeing their country industrialized, of having enough bread from their own land, of receiving education and culture and enjoying the fruits of contemporary civilization The Party, with Enver Hoxha at the head, made this dream a reality. The idea and the ways for the industrialization of the country and the socialist transformation of the countryside, which Comrade Enver worked out in detail thoroughly and extensively, were as original as they were vital to the salvation of the country. It was his idea to set up industry on the basis of the exploitation of the natural assets of the country, to create an independent energy base as the decisive factor for the development and progress of industry itself, as well as of agriculture and all the other branches, to train the qualified technical cadres who could bring into use: and run the industry to be set up; it was he who worked out the great program to ensure the people's food within the country, and all those fundamental lines on which our socialist economy has advanced." 1

     The truth of the reality of the situation which existed in Albania for the forty-plus years of Enver Hoxha's leadership was not as rosy as the picture painted above by Ramiz Alia. Alia fails to discuss any mistakes made by Hoxha. A significant increase in candidness is seen in Alia's speech at the Tenth Party Congress in 1991 which will be mentioned shortly.

     The most important factor to take note of in Alia's 1986 speech is: "...Enver Hoxha wanted and made Albania completely free and independent, completely sovereign." This concept of independence which is so crucial to the Albanian consciousness, was definitely maintained and defended by Enver Hoxha. It certainly ranks as Hoxha's greatest accomplishment. In the view of this author, a people and a state can do without many things, it can substitute one thing for another for many commodities, but one priceless, irreplaceable item is independence. As a result of Hoxha's policies. Albania enjoyed its longest period of independence in its history. Its place on the map is This statement is one that could never be made prior to Hoxha's arrival on the scene of Albanian affairs. This achievement is more impressive when one considers the centuries-long history of Albania being dominated by foreign powers as well as its geographical location in the turbulent "powderkeg of Europe," known as the Balkans. 

     A most astute summary of Enver Hoxha's legacy was given by Louis Zanga who covered the Albanian scene for many years for Radio Free Europe. Zanga had this to say of Hoxha:

     "Generally considered the most puritanical, ruthless, and xenophobic leader in modern European history, he will go down in Albanian history mainly for having provided the country with 40 years of national independence, the longest period yet, a feat that is especially important in such a fiercely nationalistic country, such as Albania, no matter what other judgments one may pass on him."

     Ramiz Alia's speech in 1991 to the Tenth Albanian Party of Labor Congress was more objective. The roots of this newly-found outlook may have been due to mere reflection or possibly the impact of events which transpired on Christmas 1989 in Romania. This "new" Alia puts the period of the Party of Labor's leadership and the role of Enver Hoxha into perspective. Alia adopts the position, with which this writer strongly concurs, that both positive and negative events, both achievements and mistakes, had taken place in Albania. Crucial passages from this speech include:

     "Until recently, the portrayal of positive aspects predominated: the victories won in the struggle for national liberation and the major transformations that took place in different fields of social activity. Indeed, there were many of these. This is a fact. Did we do well to look only at our successes? No doubt, we did not do well.

     Just as we did not do well to look only at our successes, it is equally damaging and unfair to deny everything and to paint a picture as if the PPSh [Albanian Party of Labor] did nothing but err throughout these 45 years. Extremes never reflect the truth." 3

     Mistakes were made. The cause of these mistakes can be explained by saying that: 

"...the main reason lies in the line that was followed and the implementation of a specific policy that at first was effective and yielded results, but then stalled. This policy was connected with excessive centralized planning and bureaucratic administrative management and with fetishes about the relations between heavy industry and the production of consumer goods, industry, and agriculture, etc. This policy involved the extreme enforcement of the principle of relying on our own resources, which, especially after the breach of relations with China, left Albania without foreign support and without an open door. The results did no harm to the world. On the contrary, it was our country that suffered and whose difficulties worsened. 

     It is not only in the economic field that there were errors and weaknesses in the party's work in the past. They were also present in political, social, ideological, and cultural policy... The violations of human rights in the name of class struggle, the slogans about the multiple imperialist–revisionist blockade and siege, and the extension of circles of enemies on the basis of their family connections at a time we talked of unity and even ideological homogeneity, were mistakes with dire consequences." 4

     Alia also discussed the role of Enver Hoxha:

     "I think there must be no equivocation in assessing the personality Enver Hoxha. Silence does not defend him, but is an abandonment of him, leaving him to the mercies of fate. I can say that the only way to ensure continuing respect for the personality of Enver Hoxha is to maintain a critical attitude to his mistakes and to affirm his virtues.

     When we talk about mistakes in the past work of the party and state the bureaucratic centralization that stilled initiative and self-motivation at the grass roots, extreme collectivization and the egalitarianism that diminished an individual's interest in his work,... sectarianism in the conduct of the class struggle,... the damage done by the enforcement of the policy of relying on our own resources, etc, there is no doubt that Enver Hoxha bears responsibility for these things.

     However, it must also be said that no single person, whoever he may be, can bear total responsibility for the mistakes or shortcomings that time brings to light. Enver Hoxha worked with a collegial leadership. He had around him many friends and officials who influenced decisionmaking for good or ill." 5

     Ramiz Alia's analysis is important since it assesses Enver Hoxha both positively and negatively. Therefore, this study will follow Alia's cue and do the same for the entire period of Albanian history being analyzed within these pages.

     The negative aspects of the Hoxha period are many and varied. The worst development on the negative side was the isolation which occurred due to the ideological rigidity espoused by the doctrine of self-reliance. This isolation did not, as Alia quite aptly summarized hurt the world, it only hurt Albania. The extremely limited amount and extent of outside contacts caused Albania to begin to stagnate and if left unchecked, much of the progress made previously would have been lost.

     An issue which was also extremely negative on the domestic front was the abuse of human rights and the attack against religion, all having taken place due to ideology. This suffering need not to have occurred and served no viable purpose. The only benefit Enver Hoxha received from these actions was to gain a more firm grip of control upon the people. Likewise, the grip of Communist ideology also deprived several generations of the ability to enjoy freedom of thought and expression.

     In terms of foreign relations, only the alliance with Yugoslavia can be perceived as a negative alliance. Although Albania did receive substantial aid from the Yugoslavs which was important to begin the process of organizing society, the treaty remains negative in the overall view. The reason for the negative verdict is due to the question of infringement of sovereignty. The customs unions and joint ventures formed during this period threatened Albania's sovereignty. If Tito had gotten the opportunity he was looking for, Albania quite likely would have become the Seventh Republic of Yugoslavia, ending its independence.

     A positive development that is only slightly less significant than the maintenance of independence and sovereignty is the establishment of an educational system and the subsequent extermination of illiteracy. This newly literate society suddenly became able to function in the tasks required of a workforce in the newly built industrial and agricultural systems. The importance of a literate population needs not be elaborated upon.

     The role of women in society and health care for all citizens are both extremely positive developments of Enver Hoxha's Albania. The significance of these two factors is easily seen when one considers the historical antecedents of both issues. Likewise, the development of the economy, both in industry and agriculture was a positive step forward for Albania during the tenure of Hoxha.

     Inadequacies existed in all of these various topics being discussed herein. Certainly, Albanian industry and agriculture were not at the limit of their potential development. Technology was backward, due in large part to the negative policy of isolation and self-reliance. However, the significance lies in the fact that now entities known as systems of industry and agriculture were in existence. 

     A result of Hoxha's policies with strong positive repercussions was that a strong sense of nationalism was fostered. Most importandy, for the first time ever in the history of the Albanian territory, Albania began to function as a nation. Albanian people began to be proud that they were Albanian. Many Albanians mentioned in interviews that life was difficult under Enver Hoxha's rule but one source of pride was that Albanians were now masters of their own destiny. This factor was an extremely important building block used by Hoxha to instill nationalism and pride in being an Albanian.

     An interesting sentence appeared in a Zeri i popullit editorial written to explain the legacy of Enver Hoxha. The excerpt was: "Enver Hoxha appeared on the stage of Albanian history when time needed him more than ever." 6 Naturally, this phrase appeared in a cloak of sophistic praise which was overdone as one would expect in an editorial eulogizing the deeds of the "immortal" leader. Despite this fact, this writer believes strongly in the truth in the premise of the timeliness of Enver Hoxha's appearance upon the Albanian stage. The question of timeliness reminds one of the comments made by Leon Trotsky regarding the irreplaceable nature of Lenin to the Russian Revolution. The same can be said of Enver Hoxha's relationship to the transformation which took place in Albania. Trotsky said of Lenin: "thus it is by no means excluded that a disoriented and split party [without Lenin's leadership] might have let slip the revolutionary opportunity for many years." 7 This author believes that only a rare individual like Hoxha could have seized the opportunity presented and implemented his policies on a disunited tribal Albania seething with various antagonistic factions. 

     Enver Hoxha was a rare individual. He was both an Aristotelian tyrant and a Hegelian World-historical individual. This combination need not be considered contradictory. Enver Hoxha had as his "One Aim" to modernize Albania and rebuild it in his image, according to his whims, as well as to protect its national sovereignty. These policy goals superseded any other consideration. 

     In conclusion Enver Hoxha can be considered a leader who accomplished great things for Albania while concurrently enmeshing Albania in policies that were not only counterproductive but self-destructive. In 1973, Enver Hoxha suffered a serious heart attack. This occurrence likely led him to think of his own mortality and he began to plan ways to perpetuate his policies. The best example of this can be seen in the 1976 Constitution which was the legal framework for Hoxha's policies to be implemented, both in 1976 and for the future. 

     The 1976 Constitution was the turning point where Hoxha's policies changed from continual forward progress to a policy of self-induced degeneration. Had Hoxha not implemented the policy of self-reliance which led to isolation, Albanian progress in all areas would have been almost assuredly greater.

     Overall, to paraphrase a statement made by Nimete Minga in an interview, Albania was better off with Enver Hoxha than without him. As a result of the strong-armed methods of Hoxha, progress was made and most importantly, the base for further development was in place at the time of his death in 1985. A leader who advocated a system which was less regimented was doomed to failure in Albania in this period, in the opinion of this writer. Alexander Dubcek's "Communism with a Human Face" would never have worked in Albania. Likewise, democracy or any form of pluralism were strictly out of the question due to a total lack of democratic tradition. This view is given support by the difficulties and turmoil Albania has experienced in 1997 due to the failed investment schemes.

     Thus, in the long term, Albania is better for having had Hoxha at the helm for forty-plus years. Hoxha was a stern disciplinarian who would accept no deviation from his prescribed course of action as he steered Albania through a stormy post-war and Cold War period.

     An analogy which is appropriate to describe the Albanian experience is to think of growing up and especially one's teen-age years. The teen-age years are amongst the most difficult years of one's life. These years are a period in which many difficult changes occur and need to occur in order for future development to take place. Usually, a person will realize that significant positive change has taken place in this period, though no one usually wishes to repeat this growing process. All in all, a person usually is a better person once they have been tempered by the difficulties life presents.

     The same sort of analogy can be applied to the relationship between Enver Hoxha and the Albanian people. The Hoxha years were a difficult period for the people in some respects but they were important because they fostered growth. Almost all future development in Albania will have been made possible due to the growth which took place in the Hoxha period. The Albanian people became literate, became conscious of themselves as a nation, had the building blocks of modern society put into place, lived longer and healthier lives, and had the territorial integrity of Albania preserved for future generations. Thus, Enver Hoxha and his leadership can be considered a positive stage in Albania's progression from a backward, feudal society (which is the condition Albania was in at the beginning of the period) into a modern nation, though less developed, but certainly of the twentieth century.

     The best way to put Albania's development from 1944 to 1985 in perspective is to look at the following quotation from Enver Hoxha in which he was speaking to a group of people of Albanian nationality from several countries who were visiting Albania in 1969. The message of the speech is significant because it attempts to put Albanian achievements in their proper perspective; that is, the perspective of the necessity to assess achievement within Albanian parameters. 

     Enver Hoxha told the visitors:

     "The Albanian communists are ordinary people, prepared to make sacrifices. The enemies curse them, call them barbarians,' 'criminals' and all sorts of other epithets. They slander the communists in this way because they are men of the people who changed the face of that backward Albania which many of you remember very well from 30 to 40 years ago. How greatly this Albania of ours has changed! True, the time has been short and we do not boast about the progress we have made but the truth is that changes are great. You, in particular, understand these changes correctly, because you compare the situation with what it was before. Of course, you do not compare these things with the palaces which you see in the centre of Ankara, in the Champs-Elysees of Paris, or with the sky-scrapers of New York, which were not built in 25 years, but began to be built centuries ago with the sweat, blood and the sufferings of the working people for the benefit of the magnates, the wealthy, the millionaires. Looking at Albania from this correct angle, the differences within 25 years are like the difference of night from day.

...It is true that we received credits from the Soviet Union of the time of Stalin and from China for the projects we have built or are building, but you and the whole world must know that the valuable and necessary credit which has been given us is infinitesimal in comparison with the investments of billions of leks and the great economic strength which the Albanian people have created with their own toil and sweat."

     In light of that past. Albania under Enver Hoxha made considerable progress. This progress will make future progress possible. Despite the many mistakes which were made, like the above-mentioned person going through their teen-age years. Albania under Hoxha came of age by travelling the path from infancy, to adolescence, to adulthood. Albania developed from a pseudo-feudalistic 16th or 17th Century state with a precarious sovereignty to a completely sovereign independent nation of the 20th Century, whose position on the map of Europe was secure. That is the legacy and greatest triumph of Enver Hoxha.

Notes
1. Ramiz Alia, Report on the Activity of the Central Committee of the Party of Labor of Albania and the Tasks for the Future: Submitted to the 9th Congress of the Party of Labor of Albania, November 3, 1986 (Tiranë: 8 Nentori Publishing House, 1986), 5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11.
2. Louis Zanga, "Albania Begins the Post-Hoxha Era," Radio Free Europe RAD Background Report, no. 33, 18 April 1985, 1.
3. Ramiz Alia, Speech given at the Tenth Albanian Party of Labor Congress, Tiranë, 11 June 1991: quoted in Foreign Broadcast Information Service, EEU-91-119, p. 1.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid., 1-2.
6. "The Ideal of the Party and Comrade Enver Hoxha are Ever Lasting," Zeri i popullit (Tiranë), quoted in Foreign Broadcast Information Service, 18 April 1985, 
7. Leon Trotsky, History of the Russian Revolution, trans. Max Eastman, 3 vols. (Ann Arbor, Mich. University of Michigan Press, 1957), 1:330.
8. Enver Hoxha, Speeches and Articles 1969-1970, vol. 4 (Tiranë: 8 Nentori Publishing House, 1980), 334-335, 337.