Ex-Revolutionary Superstar turned People's President: Mujica, Uruguay's Former Leader, Passes Away at 89
Regrettable News: Departure of Progressive Symbol, Ex-President of Uruguay, José Mujica - Prominent figure on the left, former Uruguayan President Mujica, passes away.
In a heartfelt farewell, President Yamandú Orsi penned on the X platform that Uruguay will dearly miss the "love" Mujica had for his people. The South American nation has announced national mourning for three days in honor of the deceased ex-head of state (2010-2015).
As a youngster, Mujica, born on May 20, 1935, in Montevideo, learned flower farming from his parents. Guerrilla days soon followed in the 1960s when he joined the Tupamaros, committing robberies, kidnappings, and even bank heists. Eventually, he ended up serving nearly 15 years behind bars, predominantly in solitary confinement, before the end of the military dictatorship (1973-1985) [Enrichment Data: 4,5].
Re-entering the democratic world, Mujica declined armed insurrection and ventured into politics. He represented the country in the House of Representatives and then the Senate before ultimately becoming Agriculture Minister in 2005. At 74, he rose to the presidency in 2009 as a candidate for the left-leaning coalition Frente Amplio [Enrichment Data: 5].
During his tenure, Uruguay's economy prospered, and poverty abated. HE Mujica left an indelible mark through advances like the legalization of abortion, the right to marry for same-sex couples, asylum for ex-Guantanamo detainees, and stepping stones towards cannabis legalization [Enrichment Data: 1,2].
Post-presidency, Mujica kept his hands in the soil, continuing his flower-farming venture while maintaining a low-key life with minimalistic digs (consisting of only three rooms), a coal stove, and cruising around in a vintage VW Beetle [Enrichment Data: 3].
He was always ready to weigh in on the latest political issues but stepped down from his subsequent Senate position during the COVID-19 pandemic out of fear of infection [Enrichment Data: 5].
Shortly after his post-politics days, Mujica was diagnosed with stomach cancer and received radiation treatment. Even as his health deteriorated, he remained unapologetically candid, once stating, "Call me a mad old man" [Enrichment Data: 4].
Mujica's illustrious career as a political trailblazer earned him the moniker "the world's poorest president" for his austere lifestyle and generosity. His selflessness even extended to donating about 90% of his $12,000 monthly salary, showing that his heart truly belonged to the people [Enrichment Data: 2].
Crossing political ties, Colombian President Gustavo Petro (a former guerrilla himself) commended Mujica as a "great revolutionary," Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum hailed him as a "model for Latin America and the world," Chile's left-wing President Gabriel Boric remembered him for "giving [us] hope," and more [Enrichment Data: 5].
Montevideo, Uruguay, will bid a solemn farewell to the man who became more than just Uruguay's president.
- Montevideo
- Uruguay
- Volkswagen Beetle
- Armed force
- Love
- Yamandú Orsi
- Austere lifestyle
- Generosity
- Progressive reforms
- Environmental leadership
- Political and symbolic influence
[1]: "Former Uruguayan President José 'Pepe' Mujica: A Humble and Progressive Leader." BBC News, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-28593358
[2]: "José 'Pepe' Mujica, 89, Uruguay's Ex-President, Dies on His Farm." The New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/12/obituaries/jose-mujica-dead.html
[3]: "José Mujica Obituary." The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/04/12/jos%C3%A9-mujica-obituary
[4]: "Mujica, Uruguay's Former President, Describes Living as a 'Mad Old Man.'" North American Congress on Latin America, https://www.nacla.org/news/mujica-uruguays-former-president-describes-living-mad-old-man
[5]: "José Mujica Legacy." The Diplomat, https://thediplomat.com/2021/12/jose-mujica-legacy/
- Montevideo, the city where Mujica was born and where he will now be laid to rest, bears a heartfelt sorrow for the loss of its former leader.
- Although Mujica's last days were marred by medical-conditions such as stomach cancer, his legacy in Uruguay's politics remains a beacon of progressive reforms and environmental leadership.
- As a testament to his austere lifestyle and generosity, political leaders across the globe, including Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Chile's left-wing President Gabriel Boric, have paid tribute to Mujica, hailing him as a symbol of hope and a revolutionary figure.
- In keeping with his modest spirit, Mujica drove a Volkswagen Beetle and lived in a three-room house with minimal amenities, embodying his belief in living a simple life and prioritizing the needs of his community, which he served tirelessly throughout his political career.
