Latin America Bids Farewell to José Mujica, the ‘World’s Poorest President’, Dead at 89…José “Pepe” Mujica, Uruguay’s former president known globally for his austere lifestyle and progressive politics, has died at the age of 89.
His passing on May 13, 2025, marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Latin American history, where a revolutionary-turned-statesman defied the norms of power and privilege. The news of his death was confirmed by Uruguay’s President Yamandú Orsi, who declared a three-day period of national mourning to honor the legacy of a man who embodied humility, resilience, and unwavering commitment to social justice.
Born in 1935 in Montevideo, Mujica began his adult life far from politics, taking up arms as a member of the leftist Tupamaros guerrilla movement during the turbulent decades of the 1960s and 70s. Captured by the military dictatorship, he spent 14 years in prison under brutal conditions, including long periods of solitary confinement. Despite enduring torture and psychological hardship, Mujica emerged from prison in 1985 after Uruguay returned to democracy, choosing the path of peace and politics rather than vengeance. He quickly became a leading figure in the Movement of Popular Participation, which eventually became part of the left-leaning Broad Front coalition.
In 2010, Mujica was elected president of Uruguay, serving until 2015. During his five-year term, he transformed the country into a model of progressive governance in the region. He championed a series of landmark reforms that included the legalization of same-sex marriage, the decriminalization of abortion, and the state-regulated sale of marijuana—making Uruguay the first country in the world to do so. These policies, often controversial at the time, are now widely regarded as milestones in Latin America’s journey toward greater personal freedoms and inclusive governance. Mujica’s leadership style was marked by simplicity and authenticity, often delivering speeches that resonated with working-class citizens and global audiences alike.
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What distinguished Mujica even more than his policies was the way he lived. Refusing to reside in the presidential palace, he remained in his modest farmhouse on the outskirts of Montevideo with his wife, Lucía Topolansky, herself a senator and former guerrilla fighter. He drove an aging Volkswagen Beetle and donated around 90 percent of his presidential salary to charities that supported the poor and small entrepreneurs. His frugal lifestyle earned him the nickname “the world’s poorest president,” but Mujica wore the label with pride, seeing it as a testament to his principles rather than a criticism.
Even after leaving office, Mujica remained an influential figure in Uruguay and across Latin America. He continued to speak out on issues ranging from climate change to corruption, often warning against the dangers of consumerism and political elitism. In 2020, he formally stepped away from politics, citing health concerns. By 2024, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. His health declined rapidly, and by early 2025, it had metastasized. Mujica chose not to undergo further aggressive treatment, opting instead to spend his final months at his farm, surrounded by nature, reflection, and the quiet dignity that defined his life.
News of his death sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from around the world. Latin American leaders including Chile’s Gabriel Boric, Colombia’s Gustavo Petro, and Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum paid their respects, recognizing Mujica as a rare figure in politics—one who governed with compassion, integrity, and a deep sense of justice. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also expressed admiration, calling Mujica a “symbol of dignity and coherence in public life.”
A state funeral is scheduled for May 14 in Montevideo, where thousands are expected to gather to say goodbye to a man who never sought power for its own sake but used it to uplift others. José Mujica’s life remains a powerful reminder that leadership grounded in empathy and humility can leave a lasting mark, not only on a nation but on the world.
