José Mujica no more: Former Uruguayan president José Mujica passed away at 89 years old, Sometimes referred to as the “world’s poorest president,” His way of living was modest.
Leading Uruguay from 2010 to 2015, he instituted gradual changes.
In Uruguay, Mujica approved same-sex marriage, abortion, and cannabis use.
During Uruguay’s military dictatorship, he spent thirteen years behind bars.
José Mujica: The Revolutionary Turned President
A global symbol of humility and progressive politics, Uruguay’s former President José Mujica passed away on Tuesday at 89. Known affectionately as “Pepe,,” Mujica’s life was a tapestry of political resiliency, revolutionary passion, and relentless social justice dedication. Yamandú Orsi, Uruguay’s present president, announced his death, paying honor to him as a “leader, activist, and guide.”
Among the most gripping stories in recent Latin American history is Mujica’s path from guerrilla combatant to Uruguayan president. Born May 20, 1935, from Basque and Italian immigrant parents in Montevideo, Mujica grew up in less than ideal conditions. Early on in life, he was passionate about farming and deeply concerned about social injustices; these passions eventually determined his political career.
From Guerrilla Warfare to Solitary Confinement Inspired by the Cuban Revolution, Mujica became a member of the Marxist urban guerrilla group Tupamaros in the 1960s Through bank robberies and food distribution to the underprivileged, the gang aimed to disperse riches under Robin Hood-style methods. But their methods grew to include bombs and kidnappings, which made the government targets.
Mujica was detained several times and suffered major injuries—six bullet wounds from a police confrontation. Following his last capture in 1972, he spent 13 years behind bars—much of it in solitary confinement. Later on, Mujica detailed the appalling circumstances of his detention, including months of tie-ups and extreme psychological and physical violence.
In 1985, Uruguay restored democracy and freed Mujica under a general pardon. When he thought back on his incarceration, he usually attributed his philosophical perspective on life to the experience, which also taught him resilience and the need of simplicity.
A Progressive Vision Humble Leader
Mujica entered politics following his release, co-founding the Movement of Popular Participation (MPP), which grew up inside the Marxist Broad Front coalition. Before starting his presidential campaign in 2009, he was first a congressman and then Minister of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries.
From 2010 to 2015, Mujica presided over Uruguay throughout a period of notable social and economic change. Uruguay became the first nation in the world to legalise the leisure use of cannabis under his direction; this action attracted international attention. Uruguay was positioned as a progressive lighthouse in Latin America by his advocacy of the legalisation of same-sex marriage and abortion as well.
Mujica kept a modest way of life even in high office. Famously refusing to live in the presidential palace, he chose his little rural property, where he shared his three-legged dog, Manuela, with his wife, Lucia Topolansky. Earning the moniker “the world’s poorest president,” he gave most of his presidential salary to charity. Mujica objected to the designation, saying, “I’m sober; I’m not poor. Poor people are the ones who require much for daily survival.
An Inheritance of Resilience and Reform
There was criticism directed against Mujica during his presidency. Although his social initiatives were much praised, detractors noted his government’s difficulties with educational reform and budget control. Still, his personal ideology and leadership approach garnered him respect much outside of Uruguay.
Mujica stayed a powerful player in Latin American politics in her last years. He kept pushing for progressive programs while vocally denouncing authoritarian governments, including Nicaragua and Venezuela in the area. He remained a beloved elder statesman, frequently visited by world leaders at his small farm even after quitting active politics in 2020.
Respect from Around the World
Leaders from throughout Latin America and beyond sent respects after his death was announced. While Chilean President Gabriel Boric hailed Mujica’s continuing optimism and dedication to social justice, former Bolivian President Evo Morales called him a “brother full of wisdom.” Mujica “one of the most important humanists of our time,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said.
The death of Mujica signals the end of a chapter for Uruguay and Latin America. From guerrilla warrior to president, his life narrative captures the tenacity and transforming power of political action. His legacy continues in the many lives he touched by his humility and commitment to justice as well as in the progressive changes he supported.
