1985 - Hoxha dies, replaced by Ramiz Alia. Political upheavals 1989 - Communist rule in Eastern Europe collapses. Ramiz Alia signals changes to economic system. An Italian servicemen with an Albanian boat refugee 1990 - Independent political parties formed. Albanians granted right to travel abroad.
Thousands try to flee through Western embassies.
Thousands more seize ships at port and sail illegally to Italy. General amnesty for political prisoners. First opposition newspaper published. Prime Minister Fatos Nano resigns after protests at economic conditions and killing of opposition demonstrators. New government headed by Vilson Ahmeti.