RKSP based on biblical norms and Catholic dogma. An important encyclical was Rerum novarum of 1891. In this Pope Leo XIII called for stronger government interference in the economy, while denouncing socialism. The RKSP wanted strong government control over public morality: divorce should be limited, the Sunday's rest was to be kept, cinemas and theatres should be kept under tight government control, alcohol addiction should be combated. The party was a staunch proponent of a corporatist economy, where employer's organisations, unions and state work together for the common good. The RKSP was in favour of social and labour legislation. During Great Depression, the call for a more active role of government was strengthened. Regarding foreign affairs, the RKSP was an advocate of Dutch neutrality, which was to be maintained by a strong army and navy. Furthermore, the party was in favour of the colonial government of the Dutch East Indies. Electoral performance Linked organisations The KVP had close links to many other Catholic institutions such as the Catholic Church and together they formed the Catholic pillar. These organisations included the Catholic Labour Union, the Catholic Employers Organisation, the Catholic Farmers' Organisation, Catholic Hospitals united in the Yellow-White Cross and Catholic Schools. The Catholic Broadcasting Association KRO and the Catholic paper De Volkskrant were the voices of the RKSP. Important figures The Limburg-based priest Weil Nolens led the party since its foundation, till his death in 1931. The former professor and minister Piet Aalberse succeeded Nolens. Other prominent figures were Charles Ruijs de Beerenbrouck, Prime Minister between 1918 and 1925, and again from 1929 and 1933, and the young Carl Paul Maria Romme, who would lead the KVP in the 1940s and 1950s. Electorate The RKSP was supported by Catholics of all classes. In North Brabant and Limburg, it often got more than 90% of the vote. References Literature External links Confessional parties in the Netherlands Catholic political parties Defunct political parties in the Netherlands Social conservative parties 1926 establishments in the Netherlands Political parties established in 1926 Political parties disestablished in 1945 Defunct Christian political parties 1945 disestablishments in the Netherlands