José Mujica, Uruguay’s ‘Poorest President’, Dies at 89

José “Pepe” Mujica, the former Uruguayan president celebrated worldwide for his humility, progressive reforms, and unwavering integrity, has died at the age of 89 in Montevideo after a battle with esophageal cancer.

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From Guerrilla Fighter to President

Born in 1935, Mujica began his political journey as a member of the Tupamaros, a leftist urban guerrilla group active during the 1960s and 70s. Captured and imprisoned under Uruguay’s military dictatorship, Mujica spent nearly 14 years in jail — including over a decade in harsh solitary confinement.

Freed in 1985 as democracy was restored, Mujica transitioned into mainstream politics. He served as a senator and minister before being elected president in 2009 as a member of the left-leaning Broad Front coalition. He took office in 2010.

A Presidency Marked by Principles

During his five-year term, Mujica oversaw a wave of progressive reforms that garnered global attention. He legalized same-sex marriage, abortion, and cannabis — positioning Uruguay as a model for social reform in Latin America. But beyond policies, it was his lifestyle that made headlines.

Rejecting the presidential palace, Mujica lived on a modest farm with his wife and three-legged dog, Manuela. He donated around 90% of his presidential salary to charities and grassroots causes, choosing instead to drive his beat-up 1987 Volkswagen Beetle and live simply.

A Lasting Legacy

Even after leaving office in 2015, Mujica remained active in public life and continued serving in the Senate until his retirement in 2020. In January 2025, he publicly disclosed his terminal cancer diagnosis, asking for privacy and declaring: “The warrior has earned his rest.”

World leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens alike have paid tribute to Mujica, praising his moral clarity, authenticity, and deep commitment to social justice.

Mujica will be buried in the garden of his home, beside his beloved dog and under a sequoia tree he planted himself — a fitting resting place for a man who never stopped living according to his values.

His death marks the end of an era, but his life remains a powerful reminder that politics can still be guided by honesty, empathy, and purpose.