Jacobus Maria "Jacques"^[1] Aarden (11 August 1914 – 23 November 1997) was a Dutch politician.^[2]

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]

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

His father was Petrus Jacobus Maria Aarden.^[2][1] He married Maria Pietronella Philomena Korst and had four sons and four daughters with her.^[2]