Former Uruguayan President Jose “Pepe” Mujica, an iconic figure widely known as the “world’s poorest President,” has died at the age of 89 in Montevideo, President Yamandú Orsi confirmed.
Mujica had announced in January that his esophageal cancer, first diagnosed in April 2024, had spread to his liver. He stated he would not seek further treatment.
“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our comrade Pepe Mujica – President, activist, leader, and guide. We’ll miss you dearly, old friend. Thank you for everything you gave us and for your deep love for your people,” Orsi wrote on social media on Tuesday.
In an interview with the local weekly Busqueda, Mujica said, “This is the end of the road for me,” adding, “my cycle is over.” He asked to be left in peace and expressed his wish to be buried at his farm on the outskirts of Montevideo, Xinhua news agency reported.
Mujica, often described as the “world’s poorest President” due to his decision to donate most of his salary to charitable causes during his 2010–2015 term, had been battling advanced cancer.
In May 2024, doctors confirmed the cancer had spread from his esophagus to his liver. His wife, former senator and Vice President Lucía Topolansky, confirmed earlier this week that he was under palliative care.
A symbol of progressive politics in Latin America, Mujica helped transform Uruguay through landmark reforms, including the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage, and recreational cannabis. Even after leaving office, he continued to champion Leftist causes until his health began to decline.
Mujica’s political journey began in the 1960s when he co-founded the Tupamaros, a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group. Initially known for robbing the rich to support the poor, the movement later escalated its activities to include kidnappings, bombings, and assassinations. Mujica’s life was marked by daring exploits, surviving multiple gunshot wounds and participating in a dramatic mass prison escape.
After the Tupamaros collapsed in 1972, he was recaptured and spent the entirety of Uruguay’s military dictatorship from 1973 to 1985 in prison. During this time, Mujica endured torture and extended periods of solitary confinement.
Upon his release, he transitioned to democratic politics, founding the Movement of Popular Participation (MPP) in 1989, which became the largest faction within the Broad Front, Uruguay’s Left-wing coalition.
He was elected to Parliament in 1995 and became a senator in 2000. In 2005, he was appointed Minister of Agriculture in the country’s first Leftist government. In 2010, he was elected President and served a single five-year term, as mandated by Uruguay’s constitution.
Mujica, who had no children, is survived by his wife and lifelong political partner, Lucía Topolansky.-IANS
