Albania under fascist occupation and the international situation
November 1941 marks an important turning point in Albanian history. The archival document begins with an analysis of the international context:
“The great war that began in 1939 has taken on new dimensions after the attack of fascist Germany on the Soviet Union. The world is now divided into two fronts: on one side the camp of fascism, on the other the camp of free peoples under the leadership of Stalin.”
In this spirit, the first meeting of communist groups emphasized the importance of orientation towards the Soviet Union and the necessity of organizing anti-fascist resistance in Albania.
The situation in Albania according to the resolution
The document describes in harsh tones the situation of the country under Italian occupation:
“Albania has been transformed into a colony of fascist Italy. Our people are economically exploited, the country’s wealth is stolen, the youth are sent to serve in the Italian fronts, the schools are Italianized, and every free voice is violently suppressed.”
This description was intended to show the urgency of the need for a political and military organization that would go beyond the sporadic activity of scattered groups.
Mistakes of the past – open criticism of communist groups
A long section of the resolution is devoted to self-criticism. The document denounces the weaknesses of the communist movement before 1941:
“Instead of throwing the people into the war against the invaders, some groups fell into isolation, engaging in sterile letters and discussions. Factionalism, the influence of Trotskyist ideas, and lack of armed preparation are serious mistakes that must not be repeated.”
This was a way to close the chapter of divisions between the groups of Korça, Shkodra and the “Youth Group” and to unite them under a single center.
The tasks of the new Party
The November 1941 resolution clearly defines the objectives of the Albanian Communist Party:
“Our party will build small, underground organizations, closely linked to the workers and peasants. Iron discipline, secrecy, and sacrifice will be its pillars. We must prepare national liberation councils as the basis of future power and organize armed struggle without delay.”
Through these words, one can see the party’s orientation towards a broad popular war, directly connected to the masses and not simply to political elites.
The example of the Soviet Union
Another key element of the document is the strong ideological connection to the Soviet Union:
“The example of the Bolshevik Party of Lenin and Stalin is our path. Without discipline and without organization, there is no victory. The Soviet Union is the defender of the peoples and our great ally.”
This passage clearly shows the international spirit and complete compliance with the Comintern line.
Delegates and names of participants
The document also carefully preserves the list of delegates who attended the meeting:
- Korça Group : Enver Hoxha, Pilo Peristeri, Sotir Vullkani, Koçi Xoxe, Koço Tashko.
- Shkodra Group : Qemal Stafa, Vasil Shanto, Tuku Jakova, Kristo Themelko, Sadik Bekteshi.
- Youth Group : Anastas Lulo, Sadik Premte, Elhami Nimani, Fadil Hoxha, Ramadan Çitaku.
From this meeting emerged the Provisional Central Committee of the Albanian Communist Party , with these members: Enver Hoxha, Qemal Stafa, Gjin Marku, Kristo Themelko, Koçi Xoxe, Tuku Jakova, Ramadan Çitaku.
Later, Ymer Dishnica, Liri Gega, Bedri Spahiu and Nako Spiru were added.
A fundamental act in Albanian history
The November 1941 resolution was not just a political document, but a historical act that marked the birth of a new party, which would lead the fight against fascism and then take power for almost half a century.
The full quotes from the document bring to life the spirit of that time, the idealism, but also the iron discipline that was required of the young militants.
