Former Uruguayan president Jose “Pepe” Mujica has passed away at the age of 89.
Mujica, who was once a guerrilla fighter and spent more than ten years behind bars for his revolutionary activities, died on Tuesday after a battle with cancer.
Back in January, he disclosed that the illness had progressed and that he would not continue with medical treatment.
Reacting to the news, Uruguay’s current President, Yamandu Orsi, wrote on X: “With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our comrade Pepe Mujica president, activist, guide, and leader. We will miss you dearly, old friend.”
During his presidency from 2010 to 2015, Mujica was widely recognized as the “world’s poorest President” due to his modest lifestyle, generous donations of most of his salary to charity, and his simple life on a farm with his wife, a fellow former guerrilla, and their three-legged dog.
The Uruguayan government has declared three days of national mourning and announced that Mujica’s remains will lie in state at the legislative palace starting Wednesday.
Supporters and members of Mujica’s Movement of Popular Participation (MPP) gathered outside the party’s offices, holding banners that read “Hasta siempre, viejo querido” (Until forever, old friend).
Tributes poured in from leftist leaders across Latin America and Europe. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum described him as “an example for Latin America and the entire world.”
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also honored Mujica, stating: “His human greatness transcended the borders of Uruguay and his presidential mandate. The wisdom of his words formed a true song of unity and fraternity for Latin America.”
As president, he was lauded for his anti-poverty efforts, though he faced criticism for not controlling public expenditure.
He is survived by his wife, Lucía Topolansky. The couple had no children.
He expressed his wish to be buried on his farm, beside his beloved dog.