Former Uruguayan President José “Pepe” Mujica, often described as the world’s “poorest president,” died at 89. The humble statesman, who led Uruguay from 2010 to 2015, passed away following a long battle with esophageal cancer.
President Yamandú Orsi, Mujica’s political successor, announced the death on social media, thanking him for his unwavering love for the people and country. Mujica was known far beyond Uruguay’s borders for his unconventional lifestyle, radical honesty, and powerful stance against materialism.
Born in Montevideo, Mujica’s political roots ran deep. He began his activism in the 1960s by co-founding the leftist Tupamaros guerrilla movement, inspired by the Cuban revolution. This path led to a turbulent journey: multiple arrests, a near-death shooting, prison escapes, and over a decade in solitary confinement under a brutal military regime. Yet, Mujica emerged from this darkness with resilience and an even deeper commitment to public service.
He transitioned into politics, eventually becoming president at the age of 74. Under his leadership, Uruguay saw notable economic growth, reduced poverty, and bold social reforms, including legalising same-sex marriage, abortion, and marijuana. These policies won him admiration globally, particularly among youth and progressive groups who saw in him a leader unafraid to challenge the status quo.
But Mujica was more than his policies. He refused to live in the official presidential residence, chose to stay in his modest rural home with his wife Lucía Topolansky, and famously drove a beat-up Volkswagen Beetle. Donating most of his salary, he challenged modern consumerism, stating: “Poor are those who want more, because they’re in an endless race.”
Despite criticism over increased public spending and unmet goals in education reform, Mujica’s integrity remained intact. He left office with nearly 70% approval, never tainted by corruption scandals, a rarity in regional politics.
Even in retirement, Mujica continued to speak globally, urging young people to question excess, embrace simplicity, and fight for justice. In his final BBC interview, he reflected on mortality with calm acceptance: “One knows that death is inevitable. And perhaps it’s like the salt of life.”
By Yockshard Enyendi