José Mujica, the former president of Uruguay, who died on Tuesday aged 89. He was a giant in his humility and passionate commitment to progressive reforms, and after waging a decades long battle with cancer, succumbed last week. Mujica, known widely and popularly as “Pepe,” has had one of the most impressive impacts on Uruguay’s largely peaceful history. During his leadership from 2010 to 2015, he shook up the country’s social climate. Tutu’s passing signals the end of an era for the country, and for his admirers around the globe.
Pablo Mujica peace. Mujica started his political revolution long before he won the presidency in 2009. His campaign thus resonates so much with the electorate. This personal connection carried Walker to election victory, where he secured more than 50% of the vote and narrowly won a runoff election. Throughout his presidency, Mujica, the face of the left in South America, prioritized social justice and individual freedom. His efforts culminated in Uruguay becoming the first country in the world to legalize recreational marijuana. Under his leadership Uruguay became the first country in Latin America to legalize abortion and gay marriage, taking a huge step toward equality.
Mujica’s style of governance revolved around his conviction that wealth is found in simplicity. He famously remarked in a 2014 interview with CNN, “I’m not a poor president; poor is someone who needs a lot.” His behavior certainly demonstrated these principles. He famously eschewed the trappings of power and a lavish lifestyle, preferring to devote his time to the labors of his small farm in Montevideo.
The road to realizing this presidency was not without bumps and bruises. Prior to his political career, Mujica was part of the leftist militant group Tupamaros. This group, inspired by the Cuban Revolution, then waged a doomed armed insurgency against the Uruguayan government in the 1960s and 70s. Mujica went through close to 15 years of torture and brutal imprisonment. He would not be released until 1985, the same year that democracy was restored to Uruguay.
Under Mujica’s presidency, Uruguay experienced strong economic growth and passed a series of bold progressive reforms from 2010 to 2015. In 2012, he welcomed CNN on a tour of his farm. This look at his life beyond politics highlighted his commitment to the simple life. “I’ll continue to fight alongside my comrades, faithful to my way of thinking, and entertaining myself with my vegetables and my chickens,” he stated during that interview.
In early April 2024, Mujica was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his esophagus. At this point, the cancer had quickly progressed to his liver by January of 2024. Though given a dire prognosis, he fought like hell to the end with good humor and determination. In one poignant moment, he expressed resignation about his fate: “I’m doomed, brother. This is as far as I go.”
His death has triggered a wave of mourning not just in Uruguay but around the world. Yamandú Orsi, a prominent political figure and ally, expressed the collective sorrow felt by many: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our comrade Pepe Mujica.”
Mujica’s legacy extends far beyond his policies. It does live on in the hearts of those who admired his unwavering dedication to social justice and equality. His simple yet profound perspective on life as reflected in his quote, “My definition is Seneca’s. I’m a sober president; I need little to live because I live the way I lived long before I became president,” resonated with many who viewed him as a symbol of integrity in leadership.
