Political evolution of the Franco regime since its inception has been hampered by the facts of power. An evolution was necessary in order to bring Spain into harmony with the modern Western world; but it had to take place without upsetting the balance ofpower instituted originally by the outcome of the Civil War. The result has been a marked evolution of the economy and of the religious attitudes and ideological outlook of the young generations, but very little real change in the realm of politics Promises of greater liberalization are being made by the regime, but there is doubt that they can be accomplished without changing the internal balance of power. As this balance is likely to remain until the death of Franco, there are limited prospects for factual—as opposed to apparent—liberalization of the regime.