José Mujica dies at 89: Uruguay mourns "world’s poorest president"
At the age of 89, former Uruguayan President José "Pepe" Mujica passed away on Tuesday. Due to his modest lifestyle, he was often referred to as "the world's poorest president."
What do you need to know?
- When did José Mujica die? The former president of Uruguay died on Tuesday at the age of 89.
- What reforms did Mujica implement? During his presidency, he legalized abortion, same-sex marriage, and supported the legalization of marijuana.
- What was his approach to life? Mujica was known for living in modest conditions, refusing to move into the presidential residence, and donating most of his salary to charity.
What reforms did José Mujica introduce?
His protégé, current President Yamandú Orsi, announced Mujica's death. "With deep sorrow, we announce that our comrade Pepe Mujica has passed away (…) Thank you for everything you gave us and for your deep love for the nation" he wrote.
Known for his directness, the politician governed the country from 2010 to 2015. During that time, he introduced a series of reforms widely regarded as bold and progressive. He legalized, among other things, abortion in the early stages of pregnancy and same-sex marriage, and supported the legalization of marijuana sales.
What was José Mujica's private life like?
Upon taking office, he surprised observers by refusing to move into the presidential residence and staying in his simple, rural home outside Montevideo.
He donated most of his salary to charity and traveled around the capital in an old Volkswagen Beetle.
His modest way of life earned him the nickname "the world's poorest president."
What were Mujica's last years like?
In 2024, Mujica announced he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. In January of this year, he gave an interview admitting that his condition was deteriorating. He commented that his life was "a bit like a novel," in which the presidency was just a minor chapter, recalled the Infobae portal.
In his youth, Mujica was involved in a Marxist guerrilla movement that opposed the then-conservative government, committing thefts, kidnappings, and bombings. He spent nearly 15 years in prison, including the entire period of the military dictatorship that ruled Uruguay from 1973 to 1985. He was tortured.
After the restoration of democracy, Mujica was released and became involved in politics. From 2005 to 2008, he served as Minister of Agriculture in the first government of the leftist Broad Front. In 2009, he won the presidential election. After leaving office in 2015 and retiring, he retained significant influence on the country's politics.
