Socialism is the Power of a Group of Wealthy Masonic Elites over the Rest of the Population
Flamur Bucpapaj
Socialism, in its original theory, presents itself as a political and economic system based on social equality, the elimination of stark economic differences, and collective ownership of the means of production.
In practice, however, in certain countries and historical periods, this model has turned into a form of centralized power held in the hands of a small group of wealthy elites, often linked to closed networks and secret structures such as Freemasonry. These leaders employ the rhetoric of defending the poor, while themselves enjoying extraordinary economic and political privileges.
The Rhetoric of Equality and the Reality of Inequality
One of the key elements of socialist discourse is caring for those in need and eliminating poverty. However, as various historical studies have shown, many socialist leaders possessed great personal wealth, often hidden through complex financial channels. This contrast between public promises and personal reality creates a crisis of trust among citizens and discourages social participation.
Closed Networks of Power
Closed networks, including historically influential ones such as Freemasonry, can serve as mechanisms of state capture, where the interests of a limited group dominate over the public interest. In this model, laws, reforms, and economic policies are not created to help the majority of the population, but to preserve the privileges of the ruling elite.
Mechanisms of Legitimization
To maintain power, these elites use a combination of ideological control, media manipulation, and selective distribution of resources. Propaganda about poverty and equality serves as a tool to create a moral façade, while the economic reality shows a deep divide between rulers and ordinary people.
Socio-Political Consequences
The consolidation of a new ruling class, replacing the traditional aristocracy or bourgeoisie.
Suppression of individual initiative, due to the perception that social mobility is blocked.
Lack of transparency, enabling the growth of institutional corruption.
Failure to achieve the original goals of socialism, turning it into an oligarchic system with popular rhetoric.
From the Theory of Equality to the New Oligarchy
Ideological Promises
In its pure theoretical form, socialism is based on the concept that economic resources should be collectively owned and managed in such a way that the entire society benefits. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels envisioned a classless society where differences in wealth and privilege would gradually disappear. The state, in this vision, would be only a transitional tool toward full communism.
Distorted Reality
In many countries that adopted socialism, a centralized system emerged where power was held by a small group of leaders. This group, despite proclaiming equality as a goal, lived in luxury and controlled all political and economic decisions.
Thus, the idea of “power of the people” was replaced by a reality where the people were under the power of the elite.
Closed Networks of Power and Freemasonry
The Hidden Structure of Influence
In some cases, these elites have been connected to closed international networks, which some scholars identify as Freemasonry or similar structures. Freemasonry has historically had influence over politics and the economy, operating through strong, secret, and trusted personal ties between members.
State Capture
This phenomenon, known as state capture, occurs when public institutions are used to advance the interests of a small group rather than the general interest. In a socialist system captured by elites, economic policies, resource distribution, and social justice are not managed to achieve equality but to preserve the privileges of the minority.
The Rhetoric of Poverty as a Tool of Legitimization
One of the main tools of elites in power is the continuous rhetoric about protecting the poor.
In public speeches, leaders emphasize the fight against poverty, the fair distribution of wealth, and personal sacrifice for the people. But in reality:
They live in luxurious residences, isolated from the people.
They have access to healthcare, education, and recreational services forbidden to ordinary citizens.
They enjoy numerous privileges unavailable to the rest of society.
This contrast between words and actions not only creates distrust but also destroys the moral foundation of the system.
Consequences of Concentrated Power
The concentration of power and wealth in a rich elite brings severe consequences for society:
Pronounced inequality hidden behind egalitarian rhetoric.
Demotivation of the population: people see no real opportunity for improvement.
Institutionalized corruption: privileges become an inseparable part of the system.
International isolation: lack of transparency and political repression drive away economic and political partners.
Comparisons with Other Systems
In liberal democracies, despite existing inequalities, there are control mechanisms such as free elections, independent media, and an independent judiciary, which limit the absolute concentration of power.
In distorted socialism, these mechanisms are absent or controlled by the same elite, making the system closed and inaccessible to citizens.
Historical Examples of Distorted Socialism
The Soviet Union after the October Revolution
Initially, the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution aimed to end the rule of the aristocracy and bourgeoisie. But very quickly, a new caste of Communist Party leaders emerged, living in privileged conditions, isolated from the people. The Soviet nomenklatura had closed residences, special stores, and access to elite healthcare. This model replaced the old bourgeoisie with a new political elite.
Maoist China
Mao preached “simple living” and equality, but Party leaders had great privileges, while millions of citizens suffered through the Great Famine of 1959–1961. The closed structure of the Party made bottom-up control impossible.
Albania under the Communist Regime
In Albania, the rhetoric of power was built on “defending the worker and the peasant.” However, the political leadership had special villas, hospitals, and privileges the ordinary population never saw. The State Security apparatus served to preserve the elite’s power, not to ensure general welfare.
Theoretical Analysis of Elite Power
The evolution of socialism in these contexts demonstrates how a political ideology built on equality can be transformed into a tool for elite domination when closed networks, secrecy, and self-interest override public welfare. Centralization of Information – The Media
Scholars such as Vilfredo Pareto, Gaetano Mosca, and C. Wright Mills have emphasized that in every society there exists a “ruling elite” that holds the real power.
Milovan Djilas, in his book The New Class, describes precisely the phenomenon of creating a new class in socialist states, one that takes the place of the bourgeoisie but preserves the same privileges.
- Wright Mills, in The Power Elite, analyzes how networks of personal, economic, and political connections form a core of power that operates beyond democratic control.
In the context of distorted socialism, this elite is not made up of private capitalists but of senior state officials, who, through the political and ideological apparatus, control national wealth.
Mechanisms of Survival of the Socialist Elite
Cultivation of the cult of personality – leaders are presented as the saviors of the nation.
Suppression of the opposition – any dissent is labeled as hostile to the people.
Capture of institutions – the judiciary, military, and economy remain under full control.
Selective distribution of privileges – rewards for loyalists and penalties for critics.
Long-Term Consequences for Society
Demoralization of the masses – faith in the ideology collapses when people see that leaders live differently.
Economic stagnation – lack of competition and innovation leads to general impoverishment.
Cultural isolation – society shuts itself off from new ideas to preserve elite stability.
Centralization of Information – Media Control
One of the most effective strategies of ruling elites in distorted socialist systems is complete control over information. By monopolizing mass communication tools – television, radio, newspapers, and today’s social media – the elite decides what information circulates and how it is interpreted.
Main functions of information centralization:
Selection of reality – news is filtered so that only the achievements and successes of the regime are presented, while failures, scandals, and crises are hidden or justified.
Creation of a single narrative – every event is interpreted from only one perspective, eliminating the possibility of public debate.
Neutralization of criticism – dissenting voices are labeled as enemies of the people or foreign agents.
Historical example: In the Soviet Union, the TASS agency held a monopoly over news distribution, and every report passed through the filter of state censorship. In communist Albania, the newspaper Zëri i Popullit and Albanian Radio-Television were the only official sources of information, serving as the party’s megaphone rather than impartial information channels.
This centralization keeps the population in a “constructed reality” where the elite is always presented as successful and indispensable, minimizing the chances of revolt or distrust.
Cultivation of the Cult of Personality – Leaders as National Saviors
The cult of personality is another key mechanism for preserving elite power. It is based on creating an idealized image of the supreme leader, portrayed as infallible, wise, and the sole guarantor of national well-being.
Main methods of building the cult of personality:
Visual and artistic propaganda – portraits, monuments, films, and songs that glorify the leader.
Historical manipulation – rewriting history to present the leader as the central protagonist of every national victory.
Mystification of the figure – describing the leader as inspired by higher moral or divine forces, placing him beyond criticism.
Historical example: In North Korea, the figure of Kim Il-sung was transformed into a national myth, with every success of the country directly attributed to his leadership. In Albania, portraits of Enver Hoxha were present in every institution, school, and home, while school textbooks portrayed him as the architect of independence and national development.
This cult shifts the people’s loyalty from institutions to the individual, making any criticism of him appear as treason against the nation.
Suppression of the Opposition – Every Dissent Labeled as Hostile to the People
In distorted socialist regimes, the existence of opposition is not seen as part of healthy democratic debate but as a threat to the stability of power. To delegitimize opponents, the regime uses strong ideological language, labeling them as “enemies of the people”, “traitors”, or “agents of imperialism”.
Mechanisms of suppressing the opposition:
Criminalization of political dissent – every criticism is treated as a legal offense and punished criminally.
Media persecution – opponents are demonized in the media, portrayed as threats to national unity.
Social isolation – activists and their families face discrimination in employment, education, and public services.
Historical examples:
In the Soviet Union, during Stalin’s era, political opponents were interned in gulags or executed after show trials.
In communist Albania, political punishments included long prison terms, family internment, and property confiscation for those who spoke against the party line.
This model creates a climate of fear that stifles pluralism and makes the existence of a real political alternative impossible.
Capture of Institutions – Judiciary, Military, and Economy Under Full Control
To ensure the continuity of power, distorted socialist elites aim for full capture of key institutions. This capture makes it impossible for the mechanisms of separation of powers and balanced checks to function.
Stages of institutional capture:
Politicization of the judiciary – courts and prosecution offices appoint figures loyal to the regime, eliminating any possibility of independent rulings. Control over the Military and Police
Commanders are chosen based on loyalty rather than professionalism, turning the armed forces into defenders of the regime rather than of the nation.
Centralization of the Economy
Strategic resources and major enterprises are managed by individuals close to the elite, creating a clientelist economy.
Historical examples:
In Cuba, after the 1959 revolution, all branches of government, the military, and the economy were placed under the direct control of the Communist Party.
In Albania, the Party of Labour simultaneously controlled Parliament, the judicial system, the military structures, and the centralized economy.
Lack of Bottom-Up Control – Citizens Have No Real Mechanisms to Oversee Decision-Making
One of the main factors enabling the elite to maintain absolute power is the absence of genuine democratic mechanisms. In such systems, citizens cannot influence decision-making through:
Free and fair elections – opposition candidates are often not allowed to run, or the process is manipulated to favor elite leaders.
Transparency mechanisms – institutions do not report budgets, political decisions, or public contracts.
Public review – debates and consultations with citizens are limited or staged, preventing genuine participation.
Historical examples:
In the Soviet Union, people’s councils were formally elected, but real decisions were made by the Politburo.
In communist Albania, the People’s Assembly was largely ceremonial and had no real power over the Party’s decisions.
This absence of oversight renders citizens powerless and subjects society to elite policies, eliminating any form of accountability.
Closure of the Political System – Exclusion of the Opposition and Centralization of Power
Another key strategy is the closure of the political system. To preserve minority dominance, any potential element of political competition is eliminated or marginalized.
Main characteristics of political system closure:
Elimination of other parties – opposition parties are banned or prevented from functioning.
Centralization of decision-making – all important decision-making institutions are under elite control.
Control over the legal process – constitutional changes and legislation are made at the elite’s discretion, without public consultation.
Historical examples:
In China during the Mao Zedong era, the Communist Party controlled all institutions, and any external political activity was considered illegal.
In Albania, the Party of Labour held a political monopoly from its founding, rendering all political opposition illegal.
This centralization of power and closure of the political system ensures that citizens cannot influence strategic decisions, thereby reinforcing the elite’s position.
The Culture of Internal Privilege
The culture of internal privilege is another mechanism that keeps the elite untouchable. It consists of norms and practices that legitimize the privileges of a minority within the system, regardless of the official ideology of equality.
Key features of this culture:
Selective meritocracy – promotions and rewards are based on loyalty to the elite, not on real competence or merit.
Privileged access to resources – exclusive access to education, healthcare, wealth, and information.
Ideological legitimacy – privileges are explained as necessary for the protection of the system and the well-being of the people.
Historical examples:
In the Soviet Union, the nomenklatura had access to special shops, high-level healthcare, and luxury vacations, while ordinary citizens faced shortages and restrictions.
In communist Albania, party officials enjoyed privileges unavailable to the general public: cars, villas, dedicated food supplies, and exclusive services.
This culture creates a deep divide between the elite and the masses, making power stable and difficult to challenge.
Economic Stagnation – Lack of Competition and Innovation Leads to General Impoverishment
Another consequence of distorted socialism is economic stagnation. When the economy is controlled by an elite and real competition is absent, innovation is stifled and poverty becomes widespread.
Mechanisms of economic stagnation:
Centralization of economic decisions – investments are prioritized according to elite interests rather than real needs.
Lack of competition – state enterprises face no pressure to increase productivity or quality.
Corruption and clientelism – important resources are allocated to loyal individuals, not for overall development.
Lack of Transparency – Facilitating the Growth of Institutional Corruption
The absence of transparency is one of the key factors enabling the elite to retain power and engage in corrupt practices. When institutions do not report their activities, the masses have no tools to monitor the use of public resources.
Mechanisms of non-transparency:
Control over financial and administrative information – budgets, contracts, and strategic decisions are not made public.
Manipulated internal audits – internal controls are carried out by individuals loyal to the elite, ensuring that abuses go unreported.
Lack of accountability to citizens – citizens cannot pose effective questions and have no access to verified information. Mechanisms of Economic Stagnation
Centralization of economic decisions – investments are prioritized according to the interests of the elite, not real needs.
Lack of competition – state enterprises face no pressure to increase productivity or quality.
Corruption and clientelism – important resources are allocated to loyal individuals, not for overall development.
Lack of Transparency – Facilitating the Growth of Institutional Corruption
The absence of transparency is one of the key factors enabling the elite to retain power and engage in corrupt practices. When institutions do not report their activities, the masses have no means to monitor the use of public resources.
Mechanisms of non-transparency:
Control over financial and administrative information – budgets, contracts, and strategic decisions are not made public.
Manipulated internal audits – internal controls are carried out by individuals loyal to the elite, ensuring that abuses are not exposed.
Lack of accountability to citizens – citizens cannot pose effective questions and have no access to verified information.
Historical examples:
In the Soviet Union, state companies and natural resources were often managed by privileged officials, where corruption and resource misuse were common.
In communist Albania, the lack of transparency in the centralized administration and economy created opportunities for the misappropriation of state wealth and selective distribution of resources to party officials.
This practice reinforces the divide between the elite and the masses and makes it impossible to punish abuses, legitimizing the culture of internal privilege.
Failure of the Original Goals of Socialism
One of the most visible consequences of the distortion of socialism is the failure to achieve the original ideological goals, which included economic equality, social justice, and active citizen participation.
Main reasons for failure:
Concentration of power – socialist objectives lose meaning when decisions are made by a small elite without citizen oversight.
Concentration of resources – national wealth is used for the privileges of a minority rather than for the overall development of the people.
Suppression of innovation and criticism – new ideas for improving society are eliminated in order to preserve the status quo.
Historical examples:
In the Soviet Union, the goals of industrialization and social equality often came at the expense of the people’s well-being, causing widespread poverty and discontent.
In Albania, promises of a fair and equal society were not realized; the people faced food shortages, economic isolation, and privileges reserved for the party minority.
This ideological failure often leads to the demoralization of the masses, distrust of authority, and increased social insecurity, causing distorted socialism to be perceived not as a system for equality but as an instrument of elite domination.
Negative Legacy
Even after the fall of the regime, elite networks often remain active in politics and the economy. The study of this phenomenon highlights a fundamental contradiction: socialism, conceived as an ideology to abolish inequalities, in the absence of democratic safeguards, can transform into the rule of a privileged minority.
Distorted socialist elites use the rhetoric of poverty and equality as a tool to justify their power, while the reality reveals deep economic and political inequalities.
Historical examples show that this model is not limited to a single country or historical period; rather, it is a recurring risk whenever a political system becomes isolated from societal oversight. The theories of Djilas, Mills, Pareto, and Mosca help us understand that this is not simply an accidental deviation but a structural tendency of centralized power.
Therefore, any social model claiming to represent the interests of the people must build strong mechanisms of accountability and transparency. Without them, history risks repeating itself, and “power of the people” remains nothing more than a propaganda slogan in the service of leftist elites.
