[citation needed] In 1935 a group of younger social-Christians split from the Conservative Party to form the National Falange.

Despite its name this group was largely made up of progressive and reformist[6] Catholics, and bore little resemblance to Spanish Falangism.

In its early years it imitated elements of fascist movements with some of its members wearing uniforms and undergoing paramilitary training.

[7] With its progressive economic program (creating an alternative to capitalism, "redeeming" the proletariat) it was in open conflict with the Catholic high clergy[8] who accused it of disrespecting the Church's leadership and siding with communists.

[9] Despite its aim to be a centrist alternative to the left and the right, and relatively great public attention, it never received more than 4 percent of the votes.