After Alia's criticism of the inefficiency of cadres, the government introduced a new system to change cadres' responsibilities every five years, to ensure high standards of administration and contain bureaucratic excess.
The People's Assembly approved a wide range of judicial reforms, which included rescinding capital punishment for statements against the government, legalizing religious activities, and giving all Albanians the right to a passport for foreign travel.
Thousands of Albanians took refuge in foreign embassies in Tirana, fearing renewed repression. After preventing food deliveries to the embassies, the government bowed to international pressure and ordered them evacuated.
Alia called for changes to the 1976 constitution, including a redefinition of the leading role of the Communist Party and freedom of religious beliefs.
A new electoral law was approved that promised a secret ballot and the possibility of independent candidates along with nominees of the Communist Party.
Formation of the opposition party: on Dec. 12, intellectuals and students in Tirana announced the formation of the Democratic Party, the first opposition party in 46 years. A week later, the parliament adopted a decree permitting the establishment of political parties, and the new party was registered.
