Opening Congress, AHY Brings Up Again Memories Of The Presidential Election About Democrats Left Behind By The Axis Of Change

JAKARTA - Chairman (Ketum) of the Democratic Party, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), brought back memories of the 2024 presidential election (Pilpres), at the opening of the Democratic Party's VI Congress.

AHY reminded the moment when the Democrats were abandoned by parties on the axis of change, namely PKS and NasDem, who at that time supported former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan as presidential candidates.

"As an opposition party, Democrats have limited space and political choices, especially when faced with the constellation towards the last 2024 presidential election. It can be said that at that time we were only open to the path with the Axis of Change," AHY said in a speech from the Democratic Party's VI Congress which was held at Ritz-Carlton, South Jakarta, Monday, 24 February.

"However, politics is politics, when the Democrats are serious about managing steps, formulating strategies, and endeavoring in the field, we are back facing tests. We just left it alone. Do you remember?" AHY asked the cadres.

All Democratic cadres who attended were united in responding "still."

According to AHY, Anies' decision to choose Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin) from PKB was a surprise for his party who had committed to collaborating with NasDem and PKS in a coalition of changes.

Of course, said AHY, the decision had shaken the party until the Democrats withdrew from the axis.

"Of course the surprise had shocked us and what was tougher was that the political dynamics had confused the wider community. Where the Democratic Party is located. Of course we have self-respect and honor," said AHY.

Even so, AHY was grateful, the Democrat's decision to withdraw support for Anies brought wisdom to the party. Instead, he said, now the Democrats have a better chance in the government after supporting Gerindra Chairman Prabowo Subianto.

"We are grateful that this incident has brought us to something better, where in the end there will be an open space and way of togetherness with Mr. Prabowo Subianto," said AHY.

AHY was also proud to be able to bring the Democratic Party to be an important part of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka's presidential election victory.

"Alhamdulillah, the Democrats are an important part of the struggle for the 2024 presidential election victory. And now the main Democratic Party cadres are trusted to help President Prabowo carry out his mandate in the national government," said AHY.

AHY then recalled the advice of the Chairman of the Democratic Party High Council who is his own father, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY).

"It is true that Mr. SBY often reminded, 'Gus, in life as well as in political life, often God's plan is better and more beautiful than human plans, which is important in every way, always good intentions and good endeavors,' That's a advice from Mr. SBY, all of our parents," explained the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development.