1997 Albanian Constitutional Referendum

A national constitutional referendum involving the change in the form of government was held on 29 June 1997 in the Republic of Albania as a result of the unrest and anarchy reported in all areas of the country after the 1996 Albanian Parliamentary Election, severe crime issues and financial failure.

Prelude
Albania transitioned at the time from a state-owned economy to a market one, and the gradual transition led to the formation of Ponzi Schemes and significant fraud. Companies were also subject of pyramid investment funds and many Albanians who were lured to the promise that they would get rich sold their homes to proceed with investments. However, the schemes eventually failed and this led to a widespread emigration phenomenon in Italy and rising social unrest, and culminated in the formation of armed organizations and the so-called "salvation committees" quickly took control of major cities in northern Albania. The central government, led by Sali Berisha, mobilized the security forces and asked for help from other countries; Italy, Greece, Spain, the UK, US, Austria and Turkey all responded by sending peacekeepers and eventually, the situation stabilized in early June. Eventually, the Constitutional Court of Albania issued a new parliamentary election and a subsequent referendum on the form of government due to the return of Prince Leka

Support
The Democratic Party, LPP and anti-communist organizations were ambiguous but eventually supported the referendum. Sali Berisha spoje in favor of Prince Leka stating that the return of monarchy could return stability to the nation. However, the Socialist Party, composed mainly by former communists refused to support the initiative and advised voters to turn down the monarchic system. Berisha exploited this to accuse the communists of "constructing a deep scheme of control through indirect means" and supported the thesis that a republic would facilitate a return to far-left politics.

Results and aftermath
As the Central Electoral Authority distributed the results, indicating a victory of the monarchy, people celebrated on the streets. Prince Leka was personally informed of the results by unidentified government figures hours prior to prepare his return to Tirana from his exile in Italy. Berisha personally welcomed him to the airport and escorted him to the presidential palace, where he recited the old 1922 loyalty formula, being the first Albanian to recognize him as monarch. Berisha would then contest and win the 1998 Albanian General Election.