Enver Hoxha (October 16, 1908 – April 11, 1985) is the Communist leader of Albania from 1944 until his death in 1985, as the First Secretary of the Party of Labor of Albania.
He is chairman of the Democratic Front of Albania and commander-in-chief of the armed forces from 1944 until his death.
He serves as Prime Minister of Albania from 1944 to 1954 and at various times serves as foreign minister and defense minister as well.
The 40-year period of Hoxha's rule is politically characterized by the elimination of the opposition, prolific use of the death penalty or long prison terms of his political opponents and evictions from homes where their families live and their internment in remote villages that are strictly controlled by police and the secret police (Sigurimi).
Also, his rule is characterized by Stalinist methods to destroy his associates who threaten his own power.
During his period of rule, Albania becomes industrialized and sees rapid economic growth, as well as unprecedented progress in the areas of education and health.
He focuses on rebuilding the country, which had been left in ruins after the Second World War, building Albania's first railway line, eliminating illiteracy from adult population and leading to Albania becoming agriculturally self-sufficient.
Hoxha's government is characterized by his proclaimed firm adherence to anti-revisionist Marxism–Leninism from the mid-1970s onwards.
After his break with Maoism in the 1976–1978 period, numerous Maoist parties declare themselves Hoxhaist.
The International Conference of Marxist–Leninist Parties and Organizations (Unity & Struggle) is the most known collection of these parties today.
