Free

1. Childhood in communist Albania: A world of contradictions and hidden truths

"I never asked myself about the meaning of freedom until the day I hugged Stalin."

A controlled society. In communist Albania, life was tightly regulated by the Party. Children were indoctrinated with socialist ideals from a young age, participating in Pioneer activities and learning to revere figures like Uncle Enver (Enver Hoxha, the country's leader). The education system emphasized loyalty to the state and rejection of capitalist values.

Hidden realities. Despite the apparent unity and equality, there were underlying tensions and secrets:

• Families had to be careful about what they said and did, even in private
• "Biography" (family background) played a crucial role in determining one's opportunities and social standing
• Western influences were strictly controlled, yet coveted by many

2. The fall of communism: Shattered illusions and newfound freedoms

"When freedom finally arrived, it was like a dish served frozen. We chewed little, swallowed fast and remained hungry."

Rapid transformation. The collapse of the communist regime in 1990-1991 brought sudden and dramatic changes:

• Multi-party elections were held for the first time
• State control over the economy and society loosened
• People gained access to previously forbidden information and goods

Disorientation and uncertainty. The transition was not smooth:

• Many people struggled to adapt to the new system
• Old beliefs and habits clashed with new realities
• The promise of freedom and prosperity often fell short of expectations

3. Family secrets revealed: Navigating a complex past and uncertain future

"I learned the truth when it was no longer dangerous but also at a time when I was old enough to wonder why my family had lied to me for so long."

Uncovering the past. As the political system changed, many families revealed long-hidden truths about their history:

• The author's family had been persecuted under communism due to their "bad biography"
• Her grandfather had been imprisoned for 15 years
• Her great-grandfather was a former prime minister, considered an enemy of the state

Reconciling identities. This newfound knowledge created challenges:

• The author had to reevaluate her understanding of her family and herself
• The transition from being a "good Pioneer" to a member of a formerly persecuted family was difficult
• Questions of trust and identity became central to her coming of age

4. The challenges of transition: Economic turmoil and social upheaval

"Everyone wants to leave."

Economic hardship. The shift from a planned economy to a market system brought significant difficulties:

• Many state-owned enterprises closed, leading to high unemployment
• Shortages of goods and services were common
• Inflation eroded people's savings and purchasing power

Social changes. The transition affected all aspects of society:

• Mass emigration, as people sought better opportunities abroad
• Rise of organized crime and corruption
• Breakdown of traditional social structures and support systems

5. Coming of age in a changing world: Personal growth amidst political transformation

"I did not feel free at all. I felt especially constrained in the winter."

Navigating adolescence. The author's teenage years coincided with Albania's turbulent transition:

• She struggled with typical adolescent issues while also grappling with rapidly changing social norms
• Her family's expectations clashed with her desire for independence and self-discovery
• She engaged in various activities, from volunteering to political activism, seeking meaning and purpose

Generational divide. The author's generation faced unique challenges:

• They had to bridge the gap between their communist upbringing and the new capitalist reality
• They often had different values and aspirations from their parents
• They had to create their own path in a society that was still figuring itself out

6. The pyramid schemes: A nation's dreams and downfall

"Save, and invest, so the money can grow."

False promises. In the mid-1990s, pyramid investment schemes became widespread in Albania:

• They promised high returns on investments, appealing to a population eager for quick wealth
• Many people, including the author's family, invested their savings in these schemes
• The schemes were often supported or tacitly approved by government officials

Inevitable collapse. The pyramid schemes were unsustainable:

• By early 1997, the largest schemes began to fail
• People lost their life savings overnight
• The collapse triggered widespread anger and protests against the government

7. 1997: Civil unrest and the collapse of order

"How does one write about civil war?"

Descent into chaos. The failure of the pyramid schemes led to a breakdown of order:

• Protests turned violent, with attacks on government buildings and police stations
• Weapons depots were looted, putting guns in the hands of civilians
• The government lost control of large parts of the country

Personal impact. The author experienced the unrest firsthand:

• Schools were closed, and normal life was disrupted
• She feared for her safety and that of her family
• The events forced her to confront the fragility of social and political structures

The civil unrest of 1997 marked a turning point in Albania's transition, highlighting the challenges of building a stable democracy and market economy. It left deep scars on the nation's psyche and shaped the author's generation's understanding of freedom, democracy, and social responsibility.

Last updated: November 25, 2024