Jacobus Aarden

Jacobus Maria “Jacques”[1] Aarden (11 August 1914 - 23 November 1997) was a Dutch politician.[2] His father was Petrus Jacobus Maria Aarden.[2][1] In 1940 Aarden finished his education in economics.[2] After the Second World War he joined the new Catholic People's Party,[3] even though he also considered joining the Labour Party.[2] He became a member of the municipal council in Voorburg in 1946, a position he would hold for 20 years.[2] On 12 July 1962 he joined the House of Representatives.[2] He often voted in favour of pieces of left-progressive legislation, unlike most of his party.[2] Tensions in the Catholic People's Party caused the so-called ‘Night of Schmelzer’ which ended the KVP-ARP-Labour Cals cabinet.[2] When the party began drifting towards cooperation with Freedom and Democracy instead of the liberal People's Party Aarden and his allies responded by writing an address.[2] He refused to cooperate with the rightist De Jong cabinet.[2] When the KVP unexpectedly declared its intention to work together closely with the ARP and Christian Historical Union Aarden and his ‘radicals’ left the KVP (26 February 1968).[2] Aarden and his followers created the Group Aarden which he would lead until 1971.[2] Group Aarden merged with elements from the ARP and CHU to create the leftist Political Party of Radicals,[2] Aarden became its leader.[2][4] After the 1971 election only Aarden en de Gaay Fortman gained positions in the House of Representatives.[2] After a period of absence due to overwork Aarden got a position in the Council of State in 1973.[2] On 1 September 1984 he left politics.[2]

Aarden at a press conference

Religiously he was among the more traditional Catholics.[2] He took a special interest in the worship of Mary.[2]

He married Maria Pietronella Philomena Korst and had 4 sons and 4 daughters with her.[2]