Hoxha, Enver

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Hoxha, Enver (1908–85) Albanian statesman, prime minister (1946–54), first secretary of the Communist Party (1954–85). In 1941 he founded the Albanian Communist Party, and led the resistance to Italian occupation during World War II. In 1946, the Republic of Albania was established and Hoxha became prime minister. His dictatorial control of party, army and state led to accusations of Stalinism. In 1961, Hoxha withdrew from the Warsaw Pact. The later break with Peking led to Albania's isolation and economic impoverishment.

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