Jose 'Pepe' Mujica, Former President of Uruguay, Passes Away at 89
The iconic leader known for his humble lifestyle and progressive policies dies, leaving a legacy in Latin American politics.
Jose 'Pepe' Mujica, former president of Uruguay, has died at the age of 89, as confirmed by the Uruguayan government in Montevideo.
His death was announced on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, by current President Yamandu Orsi, who expressed sorrow at the loss of his comrade and leader.
Mujica, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, earned the title of the 'world’s poorest president' by donating a significant portion of his salary to charitable causes.
He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in May 2024, which later metastasized to his liver, prompting his wife, Lucia Topolansky, to share that he was under palliative care during his final days.
During his presidency, Mujica was noted for advancing progressive social policies, including the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage, and the regulation of recreational cannabis.
In an interview in November 2024, he referred to the electoral success of his political heir, President Orsi, as a fitting culmination to his career in politics.
Mujica’s political journey began in the 1960s as a co-founder of the Tupamaros, a Marxist-Leninist urban guerrilla group in Uruguay.
The organization was initially focused on redistributing wealth but escalated its actions to include kidnappings and assassinations.
Mujica faced numerous challenges, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds and participating in a high-profile prison escape.
He was captured in 1972 and spent over a decade in prison during Uruguay's military dictatorship, enduring torture and solitary confinement.
Upon his release in 1985, Mujica engaged deeply in politics, founding the Movement of Popular Participation (MPP) in 1989, which later became a key member of the leftist Broad Front coalition.
His political career included roles as a parliament member, senator, and Uruguay's first agriculture minister under a left-wing government.
Mujica served a single five-year presidential term, adhering to Uruguay's term limits.
He is survived by his wife, Lucia Topolansky, who was also involved in the Tupamaros movement.
Throughout his life, Mujica remained committed to his principles, rejecting the luxury often associated with high office and choosing to live modestly on his small farm near Montevideo, where he cherished his 1987 Volkswagen Beetle.
His death was announced on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, by current President Yamandu Orsi, who expressed sorrow at the loss of his comrade and leader.
Mujica, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, earned the title of the 'world’s poorest president' by donating a significant portion of his salary to charitable causes.
He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in May 2024, which later metastasized to his liver, prompting his wife, Lucia Topolansky, to share that he was under palliative care during his final days.
During his presidency, Mujica was noted for advancing progressive social policies, including the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage, and the regulation of recreational cannabis.
In an interview in November 2024, he referred to the electoral success of his political heir, President Orsi, as a fitting culmination to his career in politics.
Mujica’s political journey began in the 1960s as a co-founder of the Tupamaros, a Marxist-Leninist urban guerrilla group in Uruguay.
The organization was initially focused on redistributing wealth but escalated its actions to include kidnappings and assassinations.
Mujica faced numerous challenges, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds and participating in a high-profile prison escape.
He was captured in 1972 and spent over a decade in prison during Uruguay's military dictatorship, enduring torture and solitary confinement.
Upon his release in 1985, Mujica engaged deeply in politics, founding the Movement of Popular Participation (MPP) in 1989, which later became a key member of the leftist Broad Front coalition.
His political career included roles as a parliament member, senator, and Uruguay's first agriculture minister under a left-wing government.
Mujica served a single five-year presidential term, adhering to Uruguay's term limits.
He is survived by his wife, Lucia Topolansky, who was also involved in the Tupamaros movement.
Throughout his life, Mujica remained committed to his principles, rejecting the luxury often associated with high office and choosing to live modestly on his small farm near Montevideo, where he cherished his 1987 Volkswagen Beetle.
