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 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. With its progressive economic program (creating an alternative to capitalism, "redeeming" the
proletariat) it was in open conflict with the Catholic high clergy who accused it of disrespecting the Church's leadership and siding with communists. 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. One of its former members,
Eduardo Frei Montalva, became President of Chile in 1964. Other notable members include
Radomiro Tomic and
Bernardo Leighton. == Presidential candidates ==