ABSTRACT
In 1958, an unexpected challenge from within the ranks of the regime threw the New State off course. This chapter considers the presidential campaign mounted by General Humberto Delgado who, unlike earlier opposition candidates, did not withdraw from the contest with days to go. Delgado's popular appeal rocked the regime and forced it to become more openly repressive, at a cost to Salazar's reputation. This in turn worsened the growing rift with the Catholic Church, exemplified by the clash between Salazar and the Bishop of Oporto, eventually forced into exile.
