Montevideo (TDI): José Mujica, former President of Uruguay and a global symbol of humility, integrity, and progressive leadership, passed away on May 13, 2025, at the age of 89.
Known affectionately as “the world’s poorest president” for his cheap and humbled lifestyle and deep commitment to social justice, Mujica died at his modest farmhouse in Rincón del Cerro, where he and his wife, former senator Lucía Topolansky, raised flowers and vegetables.
Born on May 20, 1935, Mujica lived a life marked by both struggle and triumph. As a young man, he became involved with the leftist Tupamaros guerrilla movement, fighting against inequality and authoritarianism.
His political activism led to his imprisonment for 14 years under Uruguay’s military dictatorship, during which he endured torture and solitary confinement. After the restoration of democracy, Mujica entered mainstream politics.
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Following his release under a 1985 amnesty, he co-founded the Movimiento de Participación Popular and later joined the Broad Front coalition, becoming a senator and eventually serving as Minister of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries.
Elected President in 2009, Mujica served from 2010 to 2015, enacting transformative policies that positioned Uruguay at the forefront of social progress.
His administration legalized abortion, and marijuana, expanded labor rights, and welcomed Syrian refugees into the country which gained applause while criticism too.
He famously donated 90% of his presidential salary to charity and continued to live on his small farm, driving a 1987 Volkswagen Beetle.
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Mujica’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief across Uruguay and beyond. On May 14, thousands gathered in Montevideo as his flag-draped coffin was transported by horse-drawn carriage from Plaza Independencia to the Palacio Legislativo, where a public wake was held.
President Yamandú Orsi, Mujica’s protégé, led the tributes, covering the casket with the national flag. The government declared three days of national mourning, with flags at half-staff until May 16.
Mujica had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer in April 2024 and chose to forgo further treatment as his condition worsened. In his final months, he remained a source of inspiration, urging young people to transform anger into hope.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
