The world's 'poorest president' Jose Mujica dies

Former Uruguayan President Jose 'Pepe' Mujica, known as a legend to leftists around the world, is no more. He died at the age of 89 after a year-long battle with esophageal cancer. He was placed in palliative care in early May after his health deteriorated.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our comrade Pepe Mujica. President, political activist, guide and leader - dear friend, we will miss you very much." In addition to Latin American leaders, European leaders also mourned his death. Bolivia's Evo Morales remembered Mujica's "experience and wisdom." The Brazilian government called him “one of the greatest humanitarians of our time,” and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said, “Mujica lived for a better world.” Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo called him “an example of humility and greatness.”

José Mujica was the president of Uruguay from 2010 to 2015. But he was a completely different kind of statesman. He lived on his farm outside the city instead of in the state residence. He wore simple sandals, drove an old 1987 Volkswagen Beetle, and donated about 90 percent of his salary to charity. He became known around the world as “the poorest president in the world.”

He was a constant critic of consumerism and a society dependent on consumption. His statements on the environment and human values ​​were sincere and powerful. He once said, “We have created a suicidal society. You have time to work, but no time to live.”

As a young man, Mujica was a member of Uruguay's traditional National Party. In the 1960s, he helped form the Tupamaros National Liberation Movement (MLN-T), a left-wing urban guerrilla organization. Inspired by the Cuban Revolution and international socialism, they began a clandestine resistance against the Uruguayan government.

During this time, Mujica was arrested four times. In 1970, he was shot six times by the police, but miraculously survived. He escaped from prison twice, once through a tunnel with 105 prisoners, one of the largest escapes in Uruguayan history. During the military government, he was held as one of the "Nine Hostages" who were threatened with death. He spent a total of more than 14 years in prison, much of it in solitary confinement and torture.

He was released in 1985 when Uruguay returned to democracy. He later became Minister of Agriculture and was later elected President. As a statesman, he lived a simple life, took a stand against consumerism, and worked for social justice.

He retired from politics in 2020. His small farm has since become a pilgrimage site for left-wing political activists and fans. In May 2024, he was diagnosed with cancer. Before his death, he expressed his wish to be buried on his farm, where his beloved pet dog is also buried.

His wife, Lucia Topolanski—a one-time guerrilla fighter—is still alive. They had no children. José Mujica's life is not just political history, it is an eternal example of ideals, sacrifice, and humanity.