Uruguay bids farewell to the world’s poorest president… José Mujica
Uruguay bids farewell to the world’s poorest president… José Mujica
José Mujica, Uruguay’s iconic former president, passed away at the age of 89 on May 13 after a long battle with esophageal cancer.
From revolution to prison
Mujica was born in the capital, Montevideo, on May 20, 1935.
In his thirties, he joined the armed leftist movement “Tupamaros,” which intensified its activities in the 1960s.
Known as “Pepe” among his friends, Mujica was imprisoned for 15 years in the 1980s.
Pepe as President
Continuing his leftist struggle in defense of workers and the poor, Mujica served as Minister of Agriculture in 2005 before being elected to the Senate.
In 2010, he won the presidency of Uruguay, holding office until 2015.
During his tenure, Mujica promoted progressive policies that positioned his country as a leader in renewable energy.
A humble, austere lifestyle
Mujica led a simple life, owning an old Volkswagen Beetle and donating 90% of his salary to the poor and various charities. He was famously dubbed “the world’s poorest president.” After leaving office, he returned to his farm on the outskirts of Montevideo, where he grew and sold flowers alongside his wife.
Summarizing his lifestyle, he once said, “I am not poor… The poor are those who need too much.”
Uruguay’s president mourns his companion
Uruguay’s current president, Yamandú Orsi, mourned Mujica in a post on X, stating, “With deep sorrow, we bid farewell to our comrade Pepe Mujica. A president, activist, leader, and mentor. We will miss you dearly, dear old man.”
