Nano, Fatos Thanas (1952– )

Albanian politician, prime minister 1991–92 and 1997–98. His political and economic reforms as Albania's last communist-era prime minister came too late to prevent the communists' overthrow in December 1991 by a pro-democracy movement spearheaded by the right-of-centre Democratic Party (DP). Imprisoned in April 1994 on politically motivated corruption charges, he was released in March 1997 and officially pardoned. Four months later, after his Socialist Party had secured electoral victory, he became prime minister again. Taking charge of a country devastated by recent civil strife, he pledged to restore ‘stability and normality’, but exerted weak authority in the DP-leaning north. In September 1998 Nano accused former president Sali Berisha of trying to form a coup. Civil unrest followed and Nano was forced to resign. He was replaced by 30-year-old Pandeli Majko.

Born in Tirana and educated at Tirana University, he was founder and chair of the Socialist party of Albania.