Quick Read
- José Mujica, Uruguay’s $1, has died at age 89.
- Known as the ‘world’s poorest president,’ he lived a humble lifestyle.
- He led Uruguay from 2010 to 2015, implementing progressive reforms.
- Mujica legalized cannabis, abortion, and same-sex marriage in Uruguay.
- He spent 13 years in prison during Uruguay’s military dictatorship.
José Mujica: A Revolutionary Turned President
Uruguay’s $1 José Mujica, a global icon of humility and progressive politics, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89. Known affectionately as “Pepe,” Mujica’s life was a tapestry of revolutionary fervor, political resilience, and unwavering commitment to social justice. His passing was announced by Uruguay’s current president, Yamandú Orsi, who paid tribute to him as a “leader, activist, and guide.”
Mujica’s journey from guerrilla fighter to president of Uruguay is one of the most compelling narratives in modern Latin American history. Born in Montevideo on May 20, 562, to Basque and Italian immigrant parents, Mujica grew up in modest circumstances. His early years were marked by a passion for farming and a deep concern for social inequalities, which later defined his political career.
From Guerrilla Warfare to Solitary Confinement
In the 1960s, Mujica joined the Tupamaros, a Marxist urban guerrilla group inspired by the Cuban Revolution. The group sought to redistribute wealth through Robin Hood-style actions, including bank robberies and food distribution to the poor. However, their tactics escalated to kidnappings and bombings, making them a target for the government.
Mujica was arrested multiple times, sustaining serious injuries, including six bullet wounds during a police shootout. After his final capture in 1972, he spent 13 years in prison, much of it in solitary confinement. Mujica later described the harrowing conditions of his imprisonment, including being tied up for months and enduring severe psychological and physical abuse.
In 1985, with the restoration of democracy in Uruguay, Mujica was released under a general amnesty. Reflecting on his time in prison, he often credited the experience with shaping his philosophical outlook on life, teaching him resilience and the value of simplicity.
A Humble Leader with Progressive Vision
After his release, Mujica transitioned into politics, co-founding the Movement of Popular Participation (MPP), which became part of the leftist Broad Front coalition. He served as a legislator and later as Minister of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries before launching his presidential campaign in 2009.
Mujica served as Uruguay’s president from 2010 to 2015, a period marked by significant social and economic reforms. Under his leadership, Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalize the recreational use of cannabis, a move that garnered global attention. He also championed the legalization of same-sex marriage and abortion, positioning Uruguay as a progressive beacon in Latin America.
Despite his high office, Mujica maintained a humble lifestyle. He famously refused to live in the presidential palace, opting instead for his small rural farm, where he lived with his wife, Lucia Topolansky, and their three-legged dog, Manuela. He donated most of his presidential salary to charity, earning him the nickname “the world’s poorest president.” However, Mujica rejected the label, stating, “I’m not poor; I’m sober. Poor are those who need a lot to live.”
A Legacy of Resilience and Reform
Mujica’s tenure as president was not without criticism. While his social reforms were widely celebrated, critics pointed to his administration’s struggles with education reform and controlling government spending. Nevertheless, his leadership style and personal philosophy won him admiration far beyond Uruguay’s borders.
In his later years, Mujica remained an influential figure in Latin American politics. He was a vocal critic of authoritarian regimes in the region, including Venezuela and Nicaragua, and continued to advocate for progressive policies. Even after stepping down from active politics in 2020, he remained a revered elder statesman, often visited by international leaders at his modest farm.
Tributes from Around the World
Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from leaders across Latin America and beyond. Former Bolivian President Evo Morales described Mujica as a “brother full of wisdom,” while Chilean President Gabriel Boric praised his enduring optimism and commitment to social justice. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called Mujica “one of the most important humanists of our time.”
Mujica’s passing marks the end of an era for Uruguay and Latin America. His life story, from guerrilla fighter to president, embodies the resilience and transformative potential of political activism. His legacy lives on in the progressive reforms he championed and the countless lives he touched through his humility and dedication to justice.
As Uruguay mourns the loss of José Mujica, the world remembers a leader who redefined what it means to serve with humility and purpose. His life will continue to inspire generations to come.
Source: Cnn, France24, Today, Barrons, Wral