[4] While the opposition in parliament boycotted votes on projects proposed by the communist government, mass protests and strikes virtually paralyzed the country.

Under these conditions, the People's Assembly yielded to the demands of the strikers, deciding to form a new government and hold early elections for a parliament reduced to 140 seats.

On 10 December Bufi was replaced at the head of the government by the non-partisan Vilson Ahmeti, who was considered the “technical prime minister” for the period before early elections.

Nano's government sought to implement structural reforms that would gradually move the country toward capitalism while allowing ex-communists to retain power.

In the midst of the crisis, which had escalated into civil unrest, Berisha was re-elected president for a second five-year term on 3 March 1997 by a parliament totally controlled by the Democratic Party.