Former Rebel and Uruguayan President ‘Pepe’ Mujica dies aged 89

Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi confirmed Mujica’s death on social media, writing: “Thank you for everything you gave us and for your deep love for your people.” The cause of death was not specified, though Mujica had been suffering from oesophageal cancer.

Mujica, who led Uruguay from 2010 to 2015, gained international recognition as the “world’s poorest president” for rejecting the presidential mansion to live on his modest farm outside Montevideo, driving his 1987 Volkswagen Beetle, and donating most of his salary.

His journey from guerrilla fighter to statesman was remarkable. In the 1960s, he helped establish the Tupamaros National Liberation Movement, a leftist urban guerrilla group, which led to his imprisonment for over 14 years during Uruguay’s military dictatorship. He endured torture and isolation, later recalling that he experienced madness and delusions during this time.

After his release in 1985 when democracy was restored—a day he described as happier than becoming president—Mujica served as a lawmaker and minister before winning the presidency in 2010 at age 74.

During his administration, Uruguay’s economy grew by an average of 5.4% annually while poverty declined. His government implemented groundbreaking social reforms, making Uruguay the first country to legalise recreational marijuana use, while also legalising abortion and recognising same-sex marriage.

Despite criticism for increased public spending and failing to improve education as promised, Mujica left office with approximately 70% approval and was never tainted by corruption allegations.

Mujica retired from formal politics in 2020 but remained influential in Uruguay. His political heir, Yamandú Orsi, was elected president in November 2024.

In his final BBC interview last November, Mujica spoke philosophically about mortality: “One knows that death is inevitable. And perhaps it’s like the salt of life.”

Source: Reuters